What is recorded here

Castle Street in Banff, Aberdeenshire, still carries the shadow of Banff Castle and Old Castle, whose gate lodges and piers marked the boundary between the living town and the dead stone. The gates stood as judges of entry, forcing every cart, rider and beggar to acknowledge the castle before passing. Even now the street remembers that hierarchy, narrowing the mind like a doorway and reminding the body that some places belong to memory rather than ownership.

Scotland's National Record of the Historic Environment records Banff, Castle Street, Banff Castle and Old Castle, Gate Lodges as Gate (period Unassigned), Gate Lodge (period Unassigned), Gate Pier(s) (period Unassigned). The official map says its point is accurate as follows: NGR given to the nearest 1m. The record does not by itself mean that the public may enter the place.

Banff Castle was originally built in the 13th century, with significant rebuilding in the 16th and 17th centuries, and was held by the Gordon family, later the Earls of Huntly. It is important as a historic seat of power in the Banff area and as an example of medieval and early modern Scottish castle architecture.

The historic-place record does not grant public access. Check current conditions and ownership before entering land or a building.