Caithness Seacoast ~ Making Waves

Originally a Norse 9th century castle. The name derives from the Norse word “Thrasvik”, meaning “the bay of fresh water”. Subsequently occupied by the Clan Mowat and then the Clan Sinclair. (Image courtesy of Roddie Ritchie)

Tenth Century Norse Castle. The name was brought from Aberdeen to Caithness by the Clan Mowat.

Built in the 16th century and occupied throughout its history by the Clan Sinclair.

Built in 1831 by James Bremner to support the herring fishing industry.

Subsea pipeline construction yard where pipelines as long as five miles are launched.

The Aberdeen registered steam fishing drifter “Jean Stephens” wrecked in 1958 during bad weather. Only the steam boiler remains visible on the beach. Read the full history of its loss on Reiss Beach.

Built around the 14th century by descendants of Sir Reginald de Cheyne. Ownership then passed to the Clan Keith, Clan Sinclair and finally the Dumbars of Hempriggs. Today the Tower is run as a hotel.

Castle Girnigoe built by the Clan Sinclair around 1496 and extended by Castle Sinclair around 1606.

Built in 1849. The Noss derives from the Norse word “Snos”, meaning a nose. Height 53m (174ft). Now contains the Clan Sinclair study centre.

Built around the 16th century as a grain export harbour. Then subsequently joined in the herring fishing industry. The name derives from the Norse words Goe meaning an inlet and Stakkr meaning a rock or stack.

Before the construction of Wick Harbour there were a number of small harbours serving the herring fishing industry.

Earliest records show settlement at Wick from as early as 1250. The harbour was built in 1810 to serve the growing herring fishing industry.

Built in the 12th century by the Norse. Then occupied by the Sutherlands of Duffus, Oliphants, Dunbars, and Sinclairs.

A spectacular cliff structure about four miles south of Wick.

Built in 1800 to serve the herring fishing industry.

Built in the 19th century to serve the growing herring fishing industry. The site of the famous Whaligoe steps.

Built in 1916 to serve the herring fishing industry.

Built in 1916. Height 45m (148ft).

Built in 1810 to serve the growing herring fishing industry.

Of Norse origin and initially occupied by descendents of the Cheyne family. Ownership passed to the Clan Keith in 1350 and then to the Clan Sutherland through marriage.

Built around 1790 to serve the herring fishing industry.