Noltland Castle

Noltland Castle stands on the Island of Westray in Orkney as a formidable 16th-century fortress built for Gilbert Balfour, a prominent figure in Scottish court life and master of Mary Queen of Scots' household. The castle's walls are distinguished by 71 gun holes, evidence of its era's cutting-edge defensive architecture, though the structure remained incomplete despite its imposing design. Open year-round, the castle allows visitors to explore its extensive stone walls and courtyards from ground level and aerial perspectives. Historic Environment Scotland enhances visits with the Orkney Digital Guide, offering videos, narratives, and 3D scans that illuminate five millennia of regional history.