Green Castle, Portknockie

Green Castle stands on a rocky outcrop in the fishing village of Portknockie, Moray. The headland juts 70 metres into the sea and is only 15 metres wide, with cliffs rising 20 metres above the waves. Excavations between 1976 and 1982 uncovered traces of two ancient forts built on the same spot. The first belonged to the Iron Age, when a single timber palisade defended the landward side. Archaeologists found fragments of moulds, furnaces and hammerstones, showing metalworking took place here.

The site was reused in the Pictish period, when builders laid a new palisade backed with beach cobbles. In the 7th and 8th centuries a stronger defence appeared: timber-laced stone ramparts surrounded a central stone hall. These defences were later burnt down, possibly during a Viking siege. Evidence of fish-drying platforms from the 19th century now covers much of the area.

Visitors walk along the cliff-top path to see the low stone platforms and the remains of the ramparts. The rocky headland offers wide views over the Moray Firth. On calm days the sea lapping against the cliffs fills the air with a steady rhythm. The site is small but reveals layers of Iron Age, Pictish and later activity in one place.