Built by George Sinclair, 5th Earl of Caithness, the castle once stood four storeys high with an attic and vaulted basement, designed in the distinctive Z-plan style popular in Scotland at the time.

By 1700, the castle was already described as ruinous and was replaced in 1755 by the nearby Keiss House. Today, the remains of the original tower, often called the “Old Keiss Castle”, offer a striking silhouette against the North Sea and a glimpse into Caithness’s turbulent past. The site is a highlight on the North Coast 500 and a favourite for walkers and photographers.

Good to Know

Access: Park at Keiss Harbour and follow a short coastal path (15 mins walk)

Walking: Easy coastal walk; uneven terrain near the ruins

Photo Tip: Best views from the cliff path; sunrise and sunset light up the ruins beautifully

Nearby: Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, Nybster Broch, John o’ Groats (8 miles north), Wick (8 miles south)

Safety: The ruins are fenced off and not safe to enter due to erosion