Castle sights in Orkney Islands
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Balfour Castle
Completed in 1848 in the turreted Scottish Baronial style, Balfour Castle dominates the southern end of the island. Guided tours (2.15pm Sunday from May to September) must be booked in advance; the price includes the ferry, admission to the castle and afternoon tea. It's also available as a private hotel that can be hired for shooting parties.
The castle was built by the Balfours, who made their fortune in the British Raj in India, and was owned by the Polish Zawadski family from 1961 till 2009. Examples of the Balfours’ civic projects include the neat line of cottages in the main village, the ornate Gatehouse (which now serves as the village pub), a sea-flushed publ…
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Noltland Castle
A half-mile west of Pierowall stand the ruins of this tower house, built by Gilbert Balfour, an aide to Mary, Queen of Scots. The castle bristles with no fewer than 61 shot holes, part of the defences of the deceitful Balfour, who plotted to murder Cardinal Beaton and, after being exiled, the king of Sweden.
Head upstairs and look out for the bread oven in the kitchen and the secret compartments in the windowsills. If the castle is locked, you can ask for the key at the farmhouse across the road.
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