What is recorded here
Shapinsay, Balfour Castle, Wall Turret is a 19th Century tower and wall on the Orkney Islands, a small stone guard post built to watch the sea and mark the estate boundary. It may have been climbed by keepers, children or travellers, and its narrow opening may have framed the horizon like a living picture. The castle and turret still stand as a local landmark, remembered more for shape and story than for date or display.
Scotland's National Record of the Historic Environment records Shapinsay, Balfour Castle, Wall Turret as Tower (19th Century), Wall (19th Century). 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.
The historic-place record does not grant public access. Check current conditions and ownership before entering land or a building.
Places near here
Drinks are served in the Gatehouse of Balfour CastleCastle, fort or tower · 41 yd
Phone kiosk on Balfour Castle pierCastle, fort or tower · 58 yd
Balfour HarbourHarbour (post Medieval) · 59 yd
Iona: Balfour Harbour, Shapinsay, Wide FirthMotor Vessel (20th Century) · 91 yd
BalfourBarrow (bronze Age)(possible), Cist (bronze Age), Cremation (bronze Age), Cinerary Urn (steatite)(bronze Age) · 128 yd
Shapinsay, Balfour Castle, GatewayGateway (19th Century) · 726 yd
Petrel: Holm Sound, Shapinsay Sound, North SeaCraft (19th Century) · 878 yd
War Memorial at ElwickHeritage place · 1143 yd
Carness BatteryNo Class (event) (21st Century) · 1.4 mi
Thieves HolmIslet · 1.4 mi
Bay of CarnessBay · 1.6 mi
Bay of FurrowendBay · 1.7 mi