Documents

Where documents include maps, the use of this data is subject to terms and conditions (https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/termsandconditions).

The legal document available for download below constitutes the formal designation of the monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. The additional details provided on this page are provided for information purposes only and do not form part of the designation. Historic Environment Scotland accepts no liability for any loss or damages arising from reliance on any inaccuracies within this additional information.

• Type

  Legal Documents

  Title

  SM10827_Legal Doc

  Download(https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/document/600013782)

Summary

Description

The monument consists of the remains of a castle believed to date to the early 15th century and spectacularly situated on a promontory jutting into Montrose Bay.

The remains of the Kaim of Mathers consist of a ruined tower at the extreme seaward end of a promontory, and a part of a battlement along the E side of the isthmus. Only the N and E walls of the tower remain, measuring 2.5m square internally with walls 4.5m high and 0.6m thick. The section of crenellated walling at the isthmus measures 8.0m in length, 3.0m high and 0.6m thick, with a relieving arch beneath. In the 19th century it was recorded that the approach across the isthmus was protected by two rows of walling, although only one was well preserved at that time. It was also noted that there were traces of buildings around the greater part of the promontory.

The area to be scheduled includes the remains of the tower, the crenellated wall and the entire extent of the promontory. The scheduled area is irregular with maximum dimensions of 46m NNE-SSW and 28m E-W, as marked in red on the accompanying map extract.

Statement of National Importance

The monument is of national importance as the remains of an extensive medieval castle perhaps with a tower house at its core. Its promontory location and defences are reminiscent of other castles along the north-east coast of Scotland such as Old Slains and Dunnottar. In common with other promontory sites, it is possible that Kaim of Mathers was fortified before the construction of the surviving masonry elements in the later medieval period. The archaeology of this monument has the potential to greatly increase our knowledge about the defences, domestic life and function of such castle sites.

References

Bibliography

About Scheduled Monuments

Historic Environment Scotland is responsible for designating sites and places at the national level. These designations are Scheduled monuments, Listed buildings, Inventory of gardens and designed landscapes and Inventory of historic battlefields.

We make recommendations to the Scottish Government about historic marine protected areas, and the Scottish Ministers decide whether to designate.

Scheduling is the process that identifies, designates and provides statutory protection for monuments and archaeological sites of national importance as set out in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.

We schedule sites and monuments that are found to be of national importance using the selection guidance published in Designation Policy and Selection Guidance (2019)

Scheduled monument records provide an indication of the national importance of the scheduled monument which has been identified by the description and map. The description and map (see ‘legal documents’ above) showing the scheduled area is the designation of the monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. The statement of national importance and additional information provided are supplementary and provided for general information purposes only. Historic Environment Scotland accepts no liability for any loss or damages arising from reliance on any inaccuracies within the statement of national importance or additional information. These records are not definitive historical or archaeological accounts or a complete description of the monument(s).

The format of scheduled monument records has changed over time. Earlier records will usually be brief. Some information will not have been recorded and the map will not be to current standards. Even if what is described and what is mapped has changed, the monument is still scheduled.

Scheduled monument consent is required to carry out certain work, including repairs, to scheduled monuments. Applications for scheduled monument consent are made to us. We are happy to discuss your proposals with you before you apply and we do not charge for advice or consent. More information about consent and how to apply for it can be found on our website at www.historicenvironment.scot.

Find out more about scheduling and our other designations at www.historicenvironment.scot/advice-and-support. You can contact us on 0131 668 8914 or at designations@hes.scot.