Castle
Point, Troup
Grid
ref: NJ 837 661 Ordnance Survey Landranger series sheet no.s 29 and 30
10 miles
W of Fraserburgh. Access to this promontory fort is by a motorable track N from
the B9031 W of the steep-sided valley of the Tore of Troup. The site, which
dominates the little Cullykhan Bay, is reached by walking along a narrow path
NE from the car park.
Excavation has illustrated
the complex defensive history of this site during later prehistoric times. Initially,
the Knoll, marking the landward extremity of the site was fortified by at least
one palisade. This was subsequently replaced by a timber-and-stone wall, related
to German examples, with elaborate gateway. Later still, a smaller area was
enclosed by a wall which has been vitrified.
Occupation evidence includes
indications of metal workers' workshops. There is also evidence of use, though
not fortification, in Dark Age times and the remains of a still later castle.
© Brigantes Nation 2002