Keiss Castle
Ruinous C16th castle near to Wick in Caithness. Its most striking characteristic is its position teetering on the efge of the cliff! Walk able or view from the beach. A photographer's delight.
Not a great deal is known about the building of the castle although it was reputedly built on previous fortalice. It was once four storeys tall but marge parts of the structure have fallen away and it was described as ruinous as early as 1700 although some later repair was attempted (1726). It seems an unlikely position for a fortress except that it could easily be defended as it could only be approached from the landward side, however the emergence of guns would have made that irrelevant in terms of its defensibility.
The castle seems to play no part in history and the Earl of Caithness would have had little need for it as he enjoyed the use of a number of other castles nearby.
Opening Times
Great care should be exercised when visiting Keiss as it is in a dangerous state, with the curtilage of the site being fenced off. There have been recent collapses in the solum and under no circumstances should the structure be entered.
Related Clans
SinclairTravel Directions to Keiss Castle
Travel Directions
Access to the castle is by an easy 3/4 mile walk from Keiss Pier/Lang Head where there is ample car parking. You will pass some ancient broch sites on your way and as you approach the edifice you will be impressed by the elegance of the structure poised as it is right on the cliff edge, almost leaning back on itself as a precaution. It seems imposing from a distance but is really quite small and intimate close up.
Nearby Castles
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Castle of Mey
Castle on far North coast that was home to the Queen Mother. Now open for visitors. Excellent gardens.
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Ackergill Tower
15th Century tower in an absurdly remarkable position overlooking the sea near Wick. Now super chic boutique accommodation and castle hotel. You can stay or just have tea!
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Girnigoe & Sinclair Castle
Castle Sinclair Girnigoe is located about 3 miles north of Wick on the east coast of Caithness.. It is considered to be one of the earliest seats of Clan Sinclair. It is a ruin in spectacular position on the coast facing north.
Keiss Castle Cottages and Holiday SelfCatering
Cottages Nearby
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The Cottage, Barrock House, nr Wick - Sleeps 2
The Ivy Wing and The Cottage are situated in the courtyard of Barrock House, and surrounded by landscaped grounds and mature woodland. This provides shelter for an abundance of bird and wild life with plea... -
The Herons, nr Wick - Sleeps 6/7
A warm welcome awaits you at the Herons which is set on the edge of a 3-mile stretch of sandy beach and enjoys panoramic views across Sinclair’s Bay towards Noss Head Lighthouse. This spacious house ... -
The Cottage, nr Wick - Sleeps 6
Set on a working farm, this simply and cosily furnished property enjoys a quiet and unspoilt location in the Caithness countryside. Just a mile or so off the A9, The Cottage makes a super base for touring ... -
Seaview Cottage, nr Wick - Sleeps 4
This traditional single storey holiday cottage, overlooking Girnigoe Castle, is situated a few hundred yards from the sea on a single track road leading to Noss Head Lighthouse. Spectacular seascapes, unsp... -
The Ivy Wing, Barrock House nr Wick - Sleeps 5
The Ivy Wing and The Cottage are situated in the courtyard of Barrock House, and surrounded by landscaped grounds and mature woodland. This provides shelter for an abundance of bird and wild life with plea... -
Stable Cottage, John O' Groats - Sleeps 6
These detached holiday cottages, situated within walking distance of the famous village of John O’ Groats, make the ideal base to explore this lovely part of the Northern Highlands. John O’ Groats i... -
Mill Cottage, John O'Groats - Sleeps 4
These detached holiday cottages, situated within walking distance of the famous village of John O’ Groats, make the ideal base to explore this lovely part of the Northern Highlands. John O’ Groats i... -
Horsemans Cottage, John O' Groats - Sleeps 6
These detached holiday cottages, situated within walking distance of the famous village of John O’ Groats, make the ideal base to explore this lovely part of the Northern Highlands. John O’ Groats i...
