In viewing the photos taken thus far and examining the properties in situ a number of interesting discourses begin to appear.

1. Core/periphery discourse - The location in the landscape of these properties suggest a seat of power in the most desirable location with outlying properties located in marginal areas.

Redcastle Estate
- Large castle built on hill overlooking the Beauly Firth. Large, flat lawn area, sweeping drive and close to a good sized burn for fresh water requirements as well as the firth for fishing, etc.

- Smaller properties located up to 2-3 miles away on the same estate. Less easy access to sea, fresh water source and presently surrounded by large field systems growing grains and hay.

It may be suggested that the 'core' of the estate lies at the most desirable location and the outlying areas are placed to ensure workers are close to estate property for work purposes but perhaps not too close to interfere with daily life at the castle.

Fairburn Estate:

-Fairburn Tower is located on a long. flat hill close to the River Conon. The ruined tower is central on the Fairburn Estate and has been recorded in history due to a prediction by the Brahan Seer that it would one day crumble. There are numerous properties still inhabited by renters on the estate which are somewhat younger than the tower. There are numerous large fields used for agricultural and pastoral farming around the tower.

-Fairburn 1 & 2 are located fairly close to the River Orrin and is approximately .59 miles as the crow flies from the tower. This, though, is up and over a very large hill and across a river so during the time period that the Tower was the centre of the estate this would have been a much longer journey than the actual distance belies.
Fairburn 1 is placed on a large hill with a steep drop to one side and a rather boggy patch to the other. Neither area suggests a fertile spot for framing.
Fairburn 2 is found closer to the river on a flat shelf. The area suggests possible better opportunities for farming but due to the proximity of a hill on one side and the rive on the other, the suggestion is of subsistence rather than large scale farming for monetary gain.

Whilst I have yet to explore the Munlochy/Avoch site completely at this stage, the Core/Periphery discourse may be supported by the preliminary photos which suggest a large site in vast field systems close to the water and again placed upon a hill.