Historical
Significance
Archaeological importance
The site would build on the grounds of the former Invergordon Castles and the last remaining vestiges of a major part of local history. The site’s history spans over 1,000 years, with the first of three castles dating back to 1100. The surrounding landscape includes remnants of estate buildings and significant parkland, including gardens and an icehouse. The presence of features related to both medieval and 19th-century activity suggests insights into the region’s development. Evidence of prehistoric activity has also been found, including a roundhouse and possible cremation remains. These findings are based on pre-development surveys. The site has never been formally excavated.
World Wars I and II
The site also played a vital role in both World Wars, a Polish camp was positioned within the woodland, and the Polish war memorial stands just on its outskirts. There are wartime remains in the woodland, and the memorial itself is one of only two in the country. Its atmospheric, peaceful surrounds make it an important place for reflection. The increased traffic to new housing and all that comes with it, would have an enormous negative impact on the role this memorial and its contemplative ambience plays.
“It seems wrong, disrespectful and maybe even desecration to allow a housing development to interfere with the Polish monument on the site which holds a proud place in the heart of local people...”
Future discoveries
This history - all of it - is part of local identity, a sense of pride and belonging. So much historic investigation is still to be done, from all eras of history. The development and related infrastructure would entirely rob archaeologists and others of the chance of making undoubtedly fascinating discoveries and uncover important pieces of our history.
"We should not be building on a green field site which has an amazing ancient forest and who knows what history buried just below the surface."
