Girnigoe and Sinclair Castle

The origins of the site date back to the 15th century, when the first structure, Girnigoe Castle, was built as a tower house. Until the 17th century, additions in the form of courtyards were built around this tower house, later becoming known as Sinclair Castle. The castles were maintained by the Sinclairs Earls of Caithness. A dramatic event occurred in 1690 when George Sinclair of Keiss besieged the two castles. Using heavy cannons, he managed to defeat the defenders and destroy the fortifications. Although he thus annihilated his own heritage, after retaking the castles, he renounced all claims to the destroyed structures, leaving the ruins to their fate.