Scalloway Castle
Shetland Islands, Scotland
Photo: Marion Timperley, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Tom Parnell from Scottish Borders, Scotland, CC BY-SA 2.0 ยท Tom Parnell from Scottish Borders, Scotland, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Historic Environment Scotland
- Condition
- Ruin
- Access
- Free, open access
- Nearest station
- Thurso, 133.0 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Free; key available locally if locked
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.
At a glance
Who to know
Earl Patrick Stewart · 'Black Patie', who built it and was executed for treason in 1615
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.
What visitors say
Scalloway Castle reviews · 4.3 / 5 across 208 Google reviews
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.
“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
History
Patrick Stewart · 1599-1607
Patrick Stewart, 2nd Earl of Orkney, built the tower house in 1599-1607 using unpaid forced labour from the parishes of Shetland. Nicknamed 'Black Patie' for his oppressive rule, Stewart was imprisoned in 1609 for misrule and executed in 1615 for encouraging his son to retake Orkney. The castle served briefly as the seat of Shetland's parliament.
Adapted from this castle's Wikipedia article, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “This castle stands next to the Scalloway Museum, which is fortunate for the coach drivers, as parking in the area is severely limited.” - Peter Halliday
Common questions about Scalloway Castle
Where is Scalloway Castle?
Scalloway Castle is in Shetland Islands, Scotland, at Castle St, Shetland ZE1 0TQ.
Is Scalloway Castle free to visit?
Yes - Scalloway Castle is a free, open-access site with no ticket booth, looked after by Historic Environment Scotland. There may still be a charge for nearby parking, and open-access arrangements can change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel.
What is the highlight of visiting Scalloway Castle?
The exterior and the story of Black Patie's fall from tyrant to executed traitor within sixteen years of building it.
Is Scalloway Castle a ruin or still intact?
Scalloway Castle is a ruin - Free; key available locally if locked.
