Name: Muness Castle
Rating: 5.0

Muness Castle

Batavia, Uyeasound, Unst, Shetland ZE2 9DL, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

Muness Castle is a splendid example of tower house architecture, and it’s full of delightful touches. Here it’s easy to appreciate how the family, servants and visitors would have used the internal space of the castle.

It was built for Laurence Bruce of Cultmalindie – a prominent figure during a turbulent time in Shetland. Accused of oppression of the Shetland people, Bruce is also portrayed as heroic in some legends. Roam the grounds of Britain’s northernmost castle, a remarkably fine tower house of the late 1500s.

Muness Castle is free to visit and open year-round. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

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Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

History: Muness Castle began construction on orders of Laurence Bruce of Cultmalindie in 1598.
Bruce was half-brother of Robert Stewart, 1st Earl of Orkney, and his influence was linked to that of his more powerful sibling. From the late 1590s, Bruce had a series of disputes with his nephew, Robert’s son Patrick Stewart, 2nd Earl of Orkney.
Stories abound about Bruce. He was accused and investigated by the Privy Council for oppressing Shetlanders, though several legends portray him in a heroic light.
Bruce’s conflict with the earls of Orkney came to a head in 1608, when Earl Patrick chased Thomas Black of Whalsay to Muness with 36 men. He was unable to besiege the castle before he had to withdraw.
The castle was attacked and burnt by privateers from Dunkirk in 1627, though it was reoccupied afterwards. It was sold by the Bruce family in 1718, and had fallen into ruin by the end of that century.