A large mound of earth, held together with a crumbling wall and concrete cinder blocks isn’t what you typically think of as a scheduled ancient monument.
But Aberdeen’s overlooked Balnagask Motte has a history dating back to the 12th century and was once the site of a medieval castle that protected the Dee estuary from raiders.
However, very little is known about the site, even in the city.
Now, after years of neglect, the mound is now in line for an ambitious £210,000 council regeneration project to shore up the wall, resurface Baxter Street, and protect the site for generations to come.
It is further recommended that grant funds are sought to “tell the story” of the monument.
A report to next week’s infrastructure committee meeting, which is expected to approve the monies, says there is a “rich history” associated with the site which is mainly fuelled by legend.
Scottish Government body Historic Environment Scotland designated the site as a scheduled historic monument in the early 2000s.
Their report into the designation reads: “Mottes are artificial mounds which were once topped with timber castles.
“A Normanised Celtic family, with the territorial designation of de Nug, held the lands here in the twelfth century.
“Otherwise, little is known of the historical associations of this motte, although it is thought to have been located within a hunting reserve.”
David Fryer, of the Torry Heritage Society, hailed the regeneration work.
He added: “It is a unique and under-appreciated feature in Torry and I am glad work is being done to preserve its value into the future.”
A spokesperson for Historic Environment Scotland said: “We are aware of Aberdeen City Council’s proposed repairs at Balnagask Motte and the proposals to provide new insight into this interesting local feature.
“We welcome opportunities to involve local communities in the care and maintenance of heritage sites and are happy to engage with the council to take this project forward.”
Torry councillor Catriona Mackenzie said: “I’m glad money is coming to a project which the community are strongly in favour of and has been calling on for a long time.”
Council infrastructure convener, and Torry councillor, Yvonne Allan will chair the committee that decides funding.
