Noltland Castle
Noltland Castle on Westray is one of Orkney’s most distinctive fortifications, built in the late 1500s by Gilbert Balfour, a supporter of Mary, Queen of Scots. Its design reflects the political turbulence of the era: Balfour expected trouble, so he created a fortress packed with defensive features. A fascinating detail is the sheer number of gun loops—more than 60—making Noltland one of the most heavily defended domestic buildings of its time. Inside, the castle feels like a maze of thick walls, stairways and chambers. You can explore the great hall, where Balfour intended to host guests in suitably grand surroundings, though the castle was never fully completed. The hall’s large fireplace and tall windows hint at the comfort he envisioned. Narrow spiral staircases lead to upper floors, where small rooms and lookout points reveal how the castle balanced luxury with vigilance. The courtyard and surrounding outbuildings add further interest, showing how the estate was meant to function as a self‑contained residence. From the upper levels, views stretch across Westray’s rugged landscape and coastline. Though unfinished and partly ruined, Noltland Castle offers a vivid glimpse into Renaissance ambition, island politics and the defensive architecture of a troubled age.
Pierowall Scotland
Noltland Castle is up on the island of Westray in the Orkney Islands, Scotland. It's one of the most impressive castles in Orkney, even though it was never finished. The address is Noltland Castle, near Pierowall, Westray KW17 2DW. It sits about half a mile west of Pierowall village on the north east side of Westray. You reach Westray by ferry from Kirkwall on Mainland Orkney, then it's a short drive or walk to the castle. It's run by Historic Environment Scotland and free to wander around. It's a 16th century Z-plan castle with 71 gun loops and a massive spiral staircase that everyone remembers for the views over the island. Because it's on Westray, you are right in the middle of great island exploring. Very close by is Pierowall itself with its harbour and shops, and Lady Kirk, a ruined medieval church right by the beach. On Westray you also have Noup Head lighthouse and cliffs with huge seabird colonies, and Castle o' Burrian sea stacks. If you are island hopping, back on Mainland Orkney you have the big sights around Kirkwall like the Bishop's and Earl's Palaces on Watergate, St Magnus Cathedral, and the Orkney Museum. Westray is also close to Papay and other small islands by ferry.