Key facts
- Operator
- Historic Environment Scotland
- Condition
- Ruin
- Access
- Free, open access
Pinpoint
Castle St, Shetland ZE1 0TQ
Built in 1599 by Earl Patrick Stewart - 'Black Patie', executed in 1615 for treason - using forced labour, and one of only two castles ever built on Shetland. Reviewers report it's been closed for renovation on recent visits, so it's worth confirming access before making a special trip.
Worth the trip
The exterior and the story of Black Patie's fall from tyrant to executed traitor within sixteen years of building it.
Before you go
Pair the visit with the excellent Scalloway Museum next door regardless of whether the castle interior is open that day.
Nearly every review of Scalloway Castle mentions it being closed for renovation during their visit, so a walk around the exterior - paired with the adjacent Scalloway Museum, which multiple reviewers rate very highly - seems to be the typical experience right now. The castle's dark history under the tyrannical Earl Patrick Stewart, who was later executed, comes up repeatedly as an interesting hook. Parking near the site is noted as limited, particularly when cruise ship coach groups are visiting.
Free; key available locally if locked
“It's a scenic drive to the place. The scalloway museum is nearby. It's a paid entry there. If in the area it's worth a visit”— Jacob Tharakan Chacko, visitor review
