Noltland Castle
Castle 16th-century Orkney castle with ruined fortifications
On Westray in Orkney, Noltland Castle attracts history-minded visitors to its 16th-century curtain walls, rare large gunloops and rugged coastal setting reached by narrow country roads.
Noltland Castle is a mid-16th century ruined castle on the island of Westray in Orkney, Scotland, notable for its substantial masonry and defensive features dating from about 1560-1580.
On site you can examine extensive stonework including a large tower house, curtain walls and numerous gunloops which reflect the adoption of firearms in fortification design. The ruins offer close views of carved stone details and masonry construction, with coastal panoramas across surrounding seas.
The building was erected in the 16th century by Gilbert Balfour for the Balfour family and altered in that century; it later fell into disuse and partial ruin during the early modern period. Surviving fabric dates predominantly to its original 16th century construction.
The castle sits on the island of Westray in the Orkney archipelago off Scotland’s north coast, a short drive from the island’s main settlement and reachable from mainland Orkney by inter-island ferry services.
- Access: Reach the island by scheduled ferry services to Westray, then by minor road and short walk to the site; there are no visitor facilities at the castle.
- Practical tip: The ruin is exposed to the weather and best visited in fair conditions; wear sturdy footwear for uneven ground.
How to Get to Noltland Castle #
Ferry services connect the Orkney Mainland to Westray (weekday and seasonal variations apply). On Westray the castle is accessible by local roads and short walks from island villages; check Orkney ferry timetables in advance.
Tips for Visiting Noltland Castle #
- Bring warm layers-the Orkney weather can change fast and cold winds are common on exposed headlands.
- Allow time to walk the surrounding fortifications and shoreline for birdlife and seals.
- Check ferry schedules for Orkney islands in advance, especially in winter when sailings can be canceled.
Best Time to Visit Noltland Castle #
Summer offers the best access and longest daylight; always expect wind and quick weather changes.
Weather & Climate near Noltland Castle #
Noltland Castle's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 3°C to 15°C. Abundant rainfall (1111 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (117 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (135 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
