Langwell Castle (3)
RCAHMS reported that the keep measured 'some 70 by 43ft internally, with a projecting turret at the NW angle.'  Unfortunately those numbers have been misread by some internet sites, who state if was 70 feet high - which it might have been, but we no longer know.  Anyway, a 70 foot long keep was a substantial building for this part of the country, particularly for the 15th century, when it is said to have been built.  The walls were recorded as being up to 5 ft 6 inches thick - massive enough to support a substantial tower.

There doesn't seem to be much solid history for Langwell, and the record of ownership doesn't really become detailed until near the end of the castle's occupation.  It was said to have been built by one of the sons of an Earl of Sutherland.   Specifically, 'John Begg, 3rd son of Nicolas, Earl of Sutherland' is said to have been the builder, but to my knowledge, there has never been a 'Nicolas, Earl of Sutherland'.  There was a Nicholas Sutherland, 1st of Duffus, but I can't find any brother or son called John.  I'll have to pass on that one.

As you can see, if you look closely, the castle is not entirely uninhabited!


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