
What is recorded here
Castletown Airfield operated from May 1940 until April 1944 as a satellite to Wick, forming part of the defence of Scapa Flow and Northern Scotland. Its dispersal bays scattered aircraft away from the main strip when enemy shadow struck, while a heavy AA battery with two 3 inch guns watched the sky above Caithness. Today overgrown concrete and ruined huts mark the place, the former decontamination centre filled with cow manure, reminding anyone who walks past that urgency once lived there before silence returned.
Scotland's National Record of the Historic Environment records Castletown Airfield as Dispersal Bay (second World War). The official map says its point is accurate as follows: NGR given to the nearest 10m. The record does not by itself mean that the public may enter the place.
Castletown Airfield was built during World War II as a dispersal bay to support military aviation operations. It is remembered as part of Scotland's wartime infrastructure, reflecting the strategic importance of the region during the conflict.
The historic-place record does not grant public access. Check current conditions and ownership before entering land or a building.
Places near here
Castletown AirfieldDispersal Bay (second World War) · 570 yd
ThurdistoftBroch (iron Age)(possible) · 655 yd
Dunnet SandsLong Cist(s) (early Medieval) · 1323 yd
Castletown, Millhill Bridge, HallChapel (19th Century) - (20th Century), Masonic Hall (20th Century) · 1342 yd
Olrig Parish War MemorialMemorial · 1.3 mi
Castlehill Heritage CentreMuseum · 1.4 mi
Dunnet BeachBeach / strand · 1.5 mi
Olrig CemeteryCemetery (period Unassigned) · 1.7 mi
Thurso CastleCastle (17th Century) · 5.6 mi
Jonge Thomas: Easter Head, Dunnet Head, Pentland FirthCraft (18th Century) · 5.9 mi
Easter HeadHeadland · 6.0 mi
Harrow harbourHeritage attraction · 6.0 miOther information
Photo: Phil Williams · CC BY-SA 2.0