Forse Castle
The castle stands on a peninsula about 50 metres above sea level overlooking the sea. It is surrounded on all sides by steep rocks and is cut off from the mainland by a natural ditch at the neck of the peninsula. It was inhabited until 1600s and is now ruined.
Situated on the east coast of Caithness 2 miles south of Lybster and commanding fine views of the coastline, Forse Castle is about 800 years old and sits on a high rocky peninsula. It was once cut off by a ditch and drawbridge. Believed to have been built by Sir Reginald de Cheyne, Forse was inherited by the Keiths through the marriage of one of Sir Reginald's daughters in 1350. It then passed to the Sutherlands through the marriage of a daughter to Kenneth, second son of the 5th Earl of Sutherland. From then until 1771, 17 generations of Sutherlands held it until it was abandoned.
Opening Times
Walk to castle from road and open all times. Be careful as the cliffs around the castle are precipitous.
Travel Directions to Forse Castle
Travel Directions
Off the A99. Drive to the centre of Forse as the road turns left, park car and then follow track towards the sea - the castle is visible from the road as a tower.
Nearby Castles
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Dunbeath Castle
Originally a seat of Sinclair Clan and now inhabited. 19th century extensions to 17th century original.
Forse Castle Cottages and Holiday SelfCatering
Cottages Nearby
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Caithness Cottage - Sleeps 5
In a spectacular clifftop location on the beautiful Caithness coast with magnificent open views of sea and moorland, this traditional, detached, single storey croft cottage stands in extensive .... -
Dunbeath Cottage, Caithness - Sleeps 4
Dunbeath is a pretty little village, an old crofting/ fishing community, birthplace of the renowned Scottish writer Neil Gunn, and has a fascinating history. The local Heritage Centre has a vast .... -
Granny's Cottage at Dunbeath on NE Coast - Sleeps 4
Terraced stone cottage is situated in the village of Dunbeath on the North East coast north of Helmsdale. Sleeps four people in two bedrooms. No Pets or children. -
Rose Cottage in Lybster - Sleeps 5
Single-storey cottage situated two miles from Lybster on the road to Forse in Northern Scotland. Sleeps five people in three bedrooms.
