Description

The monument comprises the remains of a motte, a steep-sided artificial or semi-artificial mound upon which the principal structures of a medieval timber castle would have stood. The motte, is visible as a grass and tree covered mound with an associated ditch and causeway visible in LiDAR imagery. The motte with its ditch is located in a triangular area of woodland at approximately 40m above sea level.

The motte is a circular flat-topped mound, measuring about 25m in diameter at the base and about 13m by 11m at the summit. It stands to a height of about 8m. The summit has been disturbed by the insertion of nineteenth-century graves and a stone cross. A broad ditch is locted to the northeast of the motte and measures 50m in length by 10m wide with a causeway to the east.This motte has traditionally been  associated with the Hays of Errol, who received the lands of Errol from William the Lion in 1178-82. A 'Mote' of Errol is on record in 1507, and in 1546 there is a reference to the manor and fortalice, 'lie mote', of Errol.

The scheduled area is circular with a diameter of 90m. It includes the remains described above and an area around within which evidence relating to the monument's construction, use and abandonment is expected to survive, as shown in red on the accompanying map. 

The above ground elements of the 19th century stone cross, its plinth, and related carved stones and the current iron fencing are specifically excluded from the schedule to allow for their maintenance.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because it makes a significant contribution to our understanding and appreciation of the past as the remains of a medieval castle, dating to the 12th century and surviving as a motte with associated ditch and causeway. There is the potential for buried archaeological structures, deposits and artefacts to survive, study and interpretation of which can provide information about daily life at similar high status medieval sites, the local economy and help us to build a chronology for the monument. The motte retains much of its original profile and, as the highest point in the surrounding landscape, continues to be a prominent and recognisable feature. As a centre of a medieval lordship the monument also contributes to our understanding of historic land use and organisation. The monument is associated with the Hays of Erroll; a family of Norman descent. William Hay, the first Lord of Errol, was granted  the lands for the service of two knights in the latter half of the 12th century having served as cupbearer for William the Lion.  The monument has the potential to better  understand the continuing impact of David I's (AD 1124-53) decision to adopt Anglo-Norman cultural and political practices, such as feudalism, in the decades immediately following his reign. 

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography
No Bibliography entries for this designation

trove.scot

https://www.trove.scot/place/30496/

HER/SMR Reference

MPK5379

Source: Historic Environment Scotland