Sunday, May 24, 2026

Cobbie Row’s Castle

 

🏰 Castles of Scotland


The Viking Stronghold — Cobbie Row’s Castle

If you’re traveling through the Orkney Islands, you’ll find the ruins of Cobbie Row's Castle on the island of Wyre. While it might look like a modest pile of stone today, in the 12th century, this was the most advanced defensive structure in the entire North. It is widely recognized as the oldest surviving stone castle in Scotland.

πŸ“ Location

  • Where is it? On the island of Wyre in the Orkney Islands.

  • Setting: It sits on a low rise, perfectly positioned to watch the shipping channels between the islands of Rousay, Egilsay, and Wyre.

  • Coordinates: 59.102N, 3.003W
    .

  • Van Access: You’ll need to take the local inter-island ferry from Tingwall (Mainland Orkney) to Wyre. It’s a quiet, peaceful island—perfect for a walking day-trip. Leave the motorhome safely parked at the Tingwall ferry terminal and hop over as a foot passenger!



πŸ“œ A Timeline of History and Inhabitants

This castle is the "rock star" of the Orkneyinga Saga.

1. The Norse Builder: Kolbein Hruga (1145)

  • The Man: The castle was built by a Norse chieftain named Kolbein Hruga (the name "Cobbie Row" is a corruption of his name). He was a powerful and wealthy man who had served in Norway before settling in Orkney.

  • The Construction: Unlike the wooden halls of his peers, Kolbein built a circular stone tower inside a curtain wall. It was a revolutionary defensive design for the time, meant to be virtually impenetrable.

2. The Saga Connection

  • The castle features prominently in the Orkneyinga Saga. It was famously besieged in 1231 by the Earl of Caithness. Despite the intense fighting, the castle’s superior stone design held firm, proving Kolbein’s architectural gamble was a massive success.

3. The Chapel of St. Mary

  • Just a few yards from the castle ruins sits the 12th-century St. Mary’s Chapel, built at the same time as the castle. It’s one of the best-preserved Romanesque chapels in the North, and it’s likely Kolbein built it as his private place of worship.

πŸ‘‘ Significance in History and Politics

Cobbie Row’s Castle represents the bridge between the Viking Age and the Feudal Age.

  • Norse Power in Scotland: This castle is a physical reminder that Orkney was a Norse Earldom, not a Scottish one, for centuries. It shows how the Norse elite adopted European "stone-and-mortar" fortification technology to assert their dominance over the northern sea lanes.

  • The Beginning of Castellation: In the broader context of Scottish history, this site marks the very beginning of the "Age of the Castle" in Scotland. It predates many of the mainland strongholds we associate with the Wars of Independence, marking the moment when the North began to shift from open-hall Viking leadership to fortified feudal control.

  • A Strategic Chokepoint: Politically, Wyre was a central hub. By controlling the channels between the islands, the occupant of this castle could levy taxes, monitor trade, and dictate the movement of ships across the Pentland Firth.



πŸ“Έ Johnny’s "Creator" Tip:

Because Wyre is such a small, quiet island, you can get the entire castle to yourself. Use your wide-angle lens here the contrast between the ancient, circular stone wall and the vast, open Orkney sky makes for an incredible, moody shot that really captures that "Viking" atmosphere.

Are you a fan of these 'hidden' archaeological sites, or do you prefer the big, dramatic Baronial mansions? Drop a comment and let me know which direction I should take the next "Castles of Scotland" post! πŸšπŸ΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ ΏπŸ‘‡

#CastlesOfScotland #CobbieRowsCastle #Wyre #Orkney #VikingHistory #ScottishHistory #MotorhomeTouringScotland #JohnnyBurr #AncientScotland

Since you're exploring the "North Isles" of Orkney, would you like me to pull together a quick guide on how to island-hop with a van, or perhaps a post about the ruins on the nearby island of Rousay?

Saturday, May 9, 2026

Balfour Castle

🏰 Castles of Scotland

The Calendar Castle - Balfour Castle

If you take the short ferry ride from Kirkwall across to the island of Shapinsay, the first thing that will catch your eye is the towering silhouette of Balfour Castle. It isn’t a medieval fortress of war, but a 19th-century "Scottish Baronial" masterpiece that was built to impress the world.

 

πŸ“ Location

Where is it? It is situated on the southwest corner of the island of Shapinsay, one of the Orkney Islands.

Setting: It commands the approach to Elwick Bay, with the towers of Kirkwall Cathedral visible across the water on a clear day.

Coordinates: 59.030° N, 2.915° W.

///showdown.drifters.stored

Van Access: To get here, you’ll need to take the Kirkwall to Shapinsay ferry. It’s a short 25-minute crossing. While the island is small, the roads are manageable for motorhomes. There is a car park near the ferry terminal, and the castle is a pleasant walk from there.


πŸ“œ A Timeline of History and Inhabitants

Balfour Castle is a story of "New Money" and architectural genius.

 

1. The Original House (Cliffdale)

Before the castle, there was a simpler house on this site called Cliffdale, built in the late 1700s. It was a modest home for the local landowners before the Balfours decided to make a much bigger statement.

2. The Balfour Transformation (1847)

The Architect: The family hired David Bryce, the undisputed king of Scottish Baronial architecture.

The Vision: Colonel David Balfour transformed the old house into the grand castle we see today.

The "Calendar" Design: Local legend says the castle was built as a "Calendar House" - it features 7 turrets (days in a week), 12 external doors (months in a year), 52 rooms (weeks in a year), and originally 365 panes of glass.

3. The Zawadzki Era

In the 1960s, the castle was purchased by Captain Tadeusz Zawadzki, a Polish cavalry officer who had fallen in love with Orkney during the war. He and his family operated it as a world-class hotel for decades, preserving its Victorian character.

 

πŸ‘‘ Significance in History and Politics

Balfour Castle represents the "Golden Age" of the Scottish landed gentry and their influence on British politics.

The "Improvement" Movement: The Balfours were pioneers of the Agricultural Revolution in the north. They introduced new farming techniques and drainage systems that transformed Shapinsay from a barren landscape into one of the most productive islands in Orkney. This "improvement" was a major political theme in the 19th-century UK.

The Power of the Lairds: Politically, the castle was a symbol of the Balfour family's dominance. At one point, they owned nearly the entire island. Their influence extended to the House of Commons, where family members served as MPs, representing the interests of the Northern Isles in London.

Victorian Prestige: The architecture itself is a political statement. By building such a grand, "Old Scottish" style castle in 1847, the Balfours were linking their family to the ancient traditions of the Scottish nobility, cementing their status as the new elite of the Victorian era.

πŸ“Έ Johnny’s "Pro" Tip:

The best view of the castle is actually from the ferry as you approach the island. Have your camera ready on the top deck! Once you’re on the island, the castle grounds are often open for walks, where you can see the rare trees - some of the few that survive in the windswept Orkney climate.

 

For more of the Castles of Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balfour_Castle

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NTTk4vGyDXVvUWaZkYuTE6X1IA9p8A8&usp=sharing

Linktree https://linktr.ee/johnnyburr

 

Linktree⬅️ https://linktr.ee/johnnyburr

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Earl’s Palace, Birsay

 

🏰 Castles of Scotland: The Tyrant’s Tower - Earl’s Palace, Birsay


If you’ve made it to the far northwest corner of the Orkney Mainland, you can't miss the skeletal remains of the Earl’s Palace standing over the village of Birsay. It might be a roofless shell today, but in the late 16th century, this was the headquarters of a family that ruled Orkney with an iron and very greedy fist.


πŸ“ Location

  • Where is it? Located in the village of Birsay, on the northwest tip of the Mainland of Orkney.
  • Setting: It sits near the shore, just a short walk from the causeway that leads to the tidal island of the Brough of Birsay.
  • Coordinates: 59.131N, 3.320W.  ///bookshelf.risk.clan
  • Van Access: There is a decent-sized car park near the palace and the Brough of Birsay. The roads are narrow but manageable. Pro Tip: Time your visit with the low tide so you can see the palace and then walk across the causeway to the lighthouse!

πŸ“œ A Timeline of History and Inhabitants

This palace didn't belong to a legendary clan, but to the "Stewart Earls" royal outsiders who treated Orkney like their own private kingdom.

1. The Builder: Robert Stewart (1569–1593)

  • The Man: Robert Stewart was the illegitimate son of King James V and the half-brother of Mary, Queen of Scots.
  • The Construction: He began building the palace in 1569. He used forced labor from the local Orcadians to build his "dream home," essentially enslaving the population to haul stone and timber.

2. The Son: Patrick Stewart (1593–1615)

  • The Legacy: Robert’s son, Patrick (known as "Black Patie"), was even worse than his father. He finished the palace but preferred his other home in Kirkwall.
  • The Fall: His tyranny, debt, and treasonous behavior eventually caught up with him. He was executed in Edinburgh in 1615. Legend says his execution had to be delayed because he didn't know the Lord's Prayer!

3. The Decline

  • After the Stewart Earls were removed, the palace was used by the Bishops of Orkney for a short time, but by the 1700s, it was already falling into ruin. Much of the fine stone was taken by locals to build houses in the village.

πŸ‘‘ Significance in History and Politics

The Earl’s Palace is a physical symbol of the "Scottish takeover" of Orkney.

  • Norse vs. Scottish Law: When the Stewart Earls arrived, they systematically dismantled the old Norse "Udal" laws (where farmers owned their own land) and replaced them with the Scottish feudal system. This allowed them to seize land and wealth, fundamentally changing the social structure of Orkney forever.
  • Royal Bloodlines: Because Robert Stewart was a Royal Stuart, his palace was a miniature version of the royal courts in Edinburgh and London. It represented the Crown’s reach into the furthest corners of the British Isles.
  • A Warning in Stone: Politically, the ruin serves as a reminder of the era of the "Great Cause" and the power struggles between the Scottish monarchy and the northern earldoms. It’s a monument to the end of the semi-independent "Sea Kingdom" of Orkney.

πŸ“Έ Johnny’s "Creator" Tip:

The best lighting for photos here is late afternoon. The sun hits the grey stone and makes the whole structure look incredibly haunting. If you have a drone, the "footprint" of the palace from above is a perfect rectangle, showing off the classic 16th-century courtyard design.

Would you have survived under the rule of "Black Patie," or would you have been leading the rebellion? Let us know in the comments below! πŸšπŸ’¨πŸ‘‡

#CastlesOfScotland #EarlsPalace #Birsay #Orkney #ScottishHistory #StewartEarls #MotorhomeTouringScotland #JohnnyBurr

 

For more of the Castles of Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earl%27s_Palace,_Birsay

 

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NTTk4vGyDXVvUWaZkYuTE6X1IA9p8A8&usp=sharing

Linktree https://linktr.ee/johnnyburr

 

Friday, April 24, 2026

Skaill House

 

🏰 Castles of Scotland: The Laird’s Legacy - Skaill House


If you’ve taken the NorthLink ferry across the Pentland Firth and made your way to the West Mainland of Orkney, you’ll find Skaill House standing guard over the Bay of Skaill. It is one of the most storied manor houses in the islands, acting as a 400-year-old bridge between the Neolithic past and modern Orcadian life.


πŸ“ Location

  • Where is it? Located in Sandwick, on the west coast of the Mainland of Orkney.
  • Setting: It sits directly adjacent to Skara Brae, the world-famous Neolithic village.
  • Coordinates: 59.049N, 3.336W. ///facing.relies.snuggled
  •  
  • Van Access: Very straightforward. There is a large, shared car park for Skara Brae and Skaill House. The roads across the Orkney Mainland are generally excellent for motorhomes, though they can be windswept—hold onto your door when you get out!

πŸ“œ A Timeline of History and Inhabitants

Skaill House was built in 1620, but it sits on top of much older Norse ruins.

1. The Bishop’s Foundation (1620)

  • The Founder: Built by George Graham, the Bishop of Orkney. He constructed the original simple manor house on the site of an old Norse "Skaill" (meaning a hall).
  • The Style: It features classic "crow-stepped" gables, a hallmark of 17th-century Scottish architecture.

2. The Lairds of Skaill (18th - 19th Century)

  • The Watt Family: The house has been in the same family (the Watts) for hundreds of years. The 7th Laird, William Watt, is the most famous figure in the house's history.
  • The Discovery (1850): After a massive storm stripped away the sand dunes in 1850, William Watt looked out from his home and discovered the remains of Skara Brae. He spent years excavating the site himself, preserving what is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

3. Royal Connections

  • The house has played host to various members of the Royal Family, including the Queen Mother, who was a frequent visitor and personal friend of the family.

πŸ‘‘ Significance in History and Politics

Skaill House represents the shifting power dynamics of the Northern Isles.

  • Post-Reformation Politics: The house was built during a time when the power of the "Stewart Earls" (the tyrannical Patrick Stewart) was being dismantled. The rise of the Lairds (landowners) like the Grahams and Watts marked a new era of local Orcadian governance and economic stability.
  • Archaeological Diplomacy: Politically, the discovery of Skara Brae by the Laird of Skaill put Orkney on the global map. It shifted the "center" of British history, proving that a sophisticated society existed in the far north thousands of years before the Romans or the English even arrived.
  • Maritime Influence: The house was a hub for maritime trade and "wrecking" rights. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Laird of Skaill held significant legal power over anything that washed up on the bay—which, in the treacherous waters of the Atlantic, was often a source of great wealth.

🦴 Johnny’s Tip:

When you go inside, look for the Viking skeleton! During renovations, they found a Norse burial under the floorboards of the hall. It’s a stark reminder that this house is built directly on top of the Viking Age. Also, the view from the dining room window toward the bay is one of the best "vlog spots" in Sandwick.

Would you prefer to explore the 5,000-year-old village next door, or does the 400-year-old ghost stories of the manor house grab you more? Drop a comment below! πŸšπŸ’¨πŸ‘‡

#CastlesOfScotland #SkaillHouse #Orkney #SkaraBrae #ScottishHistory #MotorhomeTouringScotland #JohnnyBurr #ExploreOrkney

 

For more of the Castles of Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com

 

Linktree https://linktr.ee/johnnyburr

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skaill_House

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NTTk4vGyDXVvUWaZkYuTE6X1IA9p8A8&usp=sharing

Friday, April 17, 2026

Lews Castle

 

🏰 Castles of Scotland: The Hebridean Palace  Lews Castle


If you’ve taken the ferry from Ullapool across the Minch, the first thing you see as you sail into Stornoway harbour is the grand, sprawling facade of Lews Castle. Rising out of the only significant woodland in the Western Isles, it looks less like a Highland fortress and more like a statement of absolute Victorian power.


πŸ“ Location

  • Where is it? Overlooking the town of Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis.
  • Setting: It sits within the Lews Castle Grounds, a rare 600-acre parkland of trees and trails in an otherwise peat-and-rock landscape.
  • Coordinates: 58.212N, 6.394W ///overpower.factoring.conductor
  • Van Access: Extremely easy. There is a large, dedicated car park for the castle and the museum. It’s the perfect spot to park up and walk the grounds before catching the ferry or exploring the rest of the island.

πŸ“œ A Timeline of History and Inhabitants

Lews Castle didn't grow out of clan warfare; it grew out of the global trade of the British Empire.

1. The Matheson Era (1844–1918)

  • The Founder: Built by Sir James Matheson, who bought the entire island of Lewis with his fortune made from the Chinese opium trade (co-founder of Jardine Matheson).
  • The Build: He spent over £60,000—a staggering sum at the time—to build the castle and plant the surrounding forests, importing soil and trees to create his own private Eden.

2. The Leverhulme Experiment (1918–1923)

  • The Industrialist: The castle was bought by Lord Leverhulme (founder of Unilever). He had a utopian vision to modernize the island through fish canning and industry.
  • The Clash: His plans famously clashed with the local crofters, who wanted land reform rather than factory jobs. Frustrated, Leverhulme eventually left the island and gifted the castle and the parish of Stornoway to its people.

3. War and Education (1940–2000s)

  • WWII: During the Second World War, the castle served as HMS Cabarfeidh, a naval hospital and base for the flying boats patrolling the Atlantic.
  • Modern Use: After the war, it served as a college and even student accommodation before falling into disrepair.

4. The Renaissance (Present Day)

  • Following a massive multi-million-pound restoration, it now houses Museum nan Eilean (which holds some of the world-famous Lewis Chessmen) and luxury self-catering apartments.

πŸ‘‘ Significance in History and Politics

Lews Castle is a physical monument to the tension between "Old Scotland" and "New Money."

  • The Fall of the Clans: The construction of the castle marked the final end of the Seaforth Mackenzies' influence on Lewis. It represented a shift where the land was no longer held by traditional clan chiefs, but by wealthy industrial barons from the south.
  • Community Ownership: Politically, the castle is a symbol of one of the earliest and most successful examples of community land ownership in Scotland. The Stornoway Trust, which manages the grounds, was born from Lord Leverhulme's gift, predating modern land reform by decades.
  • Strategic Atlantic Hub: During the World Wars, its position made it vital for the defense of the UK’s Western Approaches. The politics of the 20th century were literally coordinated from within these walls as ships and planes protected the vital Atlantic convoys.

Johnny’s "Hidden Gem" Tip:

When you visit, make sure to head into the museum section to see the Lewis Chessmen. Even if you aren't a history buff, seeing these 12th-century walrus ivory figures in the place they were discovered (well, nearly—they were found at Uig Bay nearby) is a powerful experience.

#CastlesOfScotland #LewsCastle #Stornoway #IsleOfLewis #OuterHebrides #ScottishHistory #MotorhomeTouringScotland #LewisChessmen #JohnnyBurr

 


For more of the Castles of Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com

 

https://www.lews-castle.co.uk/

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NTTk4vGyDXVvUWaZkYuTE6X1IA9p8A8&usp=sharing

 

 

Friday, April 3, 2026

Bucholie Castle

 

Bucholie Castle

🏰 Castles of Scotland: The Pirate’s Perch — Bucholie Castle

If you’re driving the A99 between Wick and John o' Groats, keep your eyes peeled just south of Freswick. Hidden from the road by the rolling landscape is Bucholie Castle, a fortress that takes "coastal defense" to a terrifying extreme. Perched on a 100-foot-high rock stack, it is connected to the mainland by a narrow, dizzying ledge.

πŸ“ Location

Where is it? On the east coast of Caithness, roughly 5 miles south of Duncansby Head.

Setting: It sits on a narrow sandstone promontory, surrounded by sheer drops into the "geos" (deep sea chasms) below.

Coordinates: 58.595N, 3.048W ///elephant.across.deeds

Van Access: Turn off the A99 toward the coast near the Freswick area. There’s a rough track leading toward the shore, but for larger motorhomes, I recommend parking safely where the road allows and enjoying the walk. The final approach to the castle involves crossing a narrow isthmus that isn't for the faint-hearted!

 

πŸ“œ A Timeline of History and Inhabitants

Bucholie’s story begins with Vikings and ends with one of Scotland's most famous clans.

1. The Viking Pirate (c. 1140)

The Founder: The site was originally a Norse stronghold known as Lambaborg, built by the notorious pirate Svein Asleifsson.

The Great Escape (1152): Svein was once besieged here by Earl Rognvald. When his supplies ran out, Svein didn't surrender; he and a companion had themselves lowered down the 100-foot cliffs by rope into the sea and swam to safety under the cover of darkness.

2. The Mowat Dynasty (14th - 17th Century)

The Builders: In the 1300s, King Robert the Bruce granted the lands to the Mowat family (originally de Montealt). They built the stone tower house whose ruins we see today.

The Tragedy at Tain: In 1427, the Mowats of Bucholie were involved in a brutal feud that saw the family burned to death while seeking sanctuary in the chapel of St Duthac in Tain.

3. The Sinclair Era (1661)

The Mowats eventually sold the castle to the Sinclairs, who were the dominant power in Caithness. However, by this time, the castle was already becoming outdated and was soon abandoned to the North Sea winds.

πŸ‘‘ Significance in History and Politics

Bucholie is a physical map of the power shifts in Northern Scotland.

Norse to Scottish Transition: The castle is one of the few sites mentioned in the Orkneyinga Saga, marking the transition from the era of Norse "Sea-Kings" to the feudal Scottish system under the Mowats and Sinclairs.

Maritime Control: Politically, Bucholie was a "customs house" of sorts. Its position allowed the inhabitants to monitor all shipping traffic heading toward the Pentland Firth. In an age where the sea was the main highway, Bucholie was a vital strategic eye for the Scottish Crown.

Defensive Engineering: The site is a "Scheduled Monument" of national importance. Its gatehouse and ditch system (a trench 7 feet wide cut into the rock) represent the peak of medieval coastal fortification—where the landscape itself was the primary weapon.

 Johnny’s "Caution" Tip:

This is one of the most dangerous castle sites in the country. The path across the "neck" to the castle is very narrow with steep drops on both sides. Do not attempt this in high winds or wet weather. The best (and safest) views are actually from the cliffs looking back at the castle, where you can really appreciate its "island" defense.

Would you have the nerve to cross that ledge to reach the gatehouse? Let’s see who the real adventurers are in the comments! πŸšπŸ΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ ΏπŸ‘‡

#CastlesOfScotland #BucholieCastle #Caithness #NC500 #ScottishHistory #VikingHistory #MotorhomeTouringScotland #JohnnyBurr

 

For more of the Castles of Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com

 

https://castle-finders.co.uk/Scotland/bucholie%2520castle.html

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NTTk4vGyDXVvUWaZkYuTE6X1IA9p8A8&usp=sharing

Linktree https://linktr.ee/johnnyburr

 

 

Saturday, March 28, 2026

Keiss Castle

 

Keiss Castle

🏰 Castles of Scotland: The Cliff-Hanger of Caithness — Keiss Castle

If you are navigating the A99 between Wick and John o' Groats, you’ll find one of the most dramatic coastal scenes in the Highlands. Keiss Castle doesn't just sit near the sea; the "Old" castle looks like it’s actively trying to decide whether to stay on the land or join the Atlantic.


πŸ“ Location

  • Where is it? Located just north of the village of Keiss in Caithness.
  • Setting: It perches on the very edge of a sheer cliff overlooking Sinclair’s Bay.
  • Coordinates: 58.594N, 3.048W ///deleting.crossing.slices
  • Van Access: There is a small parking area near the Keiss harbour. From there, it’s a stunning, relatively flat coastal walk to the ruins. The path can be narrow and windy, so watch your step (and your dog!) near the cliff edges.

πŸ“œ A Timeline of History and Inhabitants

There are actually two Keiss Castles: the original 16th-century "Old" castle and the 18th/19th-century "New" castle.

1. The Sinclair Stronghold (Late 16th Century)

  • The Founders: Old Keiss Castle was built around 1590 by George Sinclair, the 5th Earl of Caithness.
  • The Design: It was a classic Z-plan tower house, four storeys high, built specifically to guard the northern approaches to the Sinclair lands.
  • The Siege: In the 17th century, the castle was attacked and captured by the Glenorchy Campbells during a bitter feud over the Earldom of Caithness—one of the last great private clan wars in Scotland.

2. The Move Inland (1755)

  • New Keiss Castle: By the mid-1700s, the old tower was becoming dangerously unstable due to coastal erosion. Sir William Sinclair built a new, more comfortable home (originally called Keiss House) slightly further inland.

3. The Victorian Glow-Up (1860)

  • The "New" castle was purchased by the MacLeay family. They hired the legendary architect David Bryce to transform the plain house into a sprawling Scottish Baronial mansion, complete with the turrets and "fairy-tale" features you see today.

πŸ‘‘ Significance in History and Politics

Keiss was a strategic "northern eye" during some of the most turbulent shifts in British power.

  • Jacobite Loyalties: During the 1745 Rising, Francis Sinclair of Keiss was a known Jacobite sympathizer. While the far north was often a patchwork of loyalties, Keiss acted as a potential landing spot and communication link for those supporting the Stuart claim to the throne.
  • Control of the Northern Sea Lanes: Politically, the Sinclairs of Keiss were vital to the Scottish Crown's ability to monitor the Pentland Firth. Whoever held Keiss and nearby Ackergill controlled the "front door" to the Highlands from the North Sea.
  • The Agricultural Revolution: The transition from the old defensive tower to the new mansion reflects the "Improvement" era of the 18th century, where Highland chiefs shifted from being military warlords to landed gentry, fundamentally changing the social and political fabric of the North.

🦭 Johnny’s "Wildcard" Tip:

While you're walking out to the castle, keep your eyes on the rocks below in Keiss harbour. It is a massive hotspot for Grey Seals! At low tide, you can often see dozens of them "banana-ing" on the rocks. It’s a great chance for some wildlife photography to break up the history.

Would you rather live in the rugged, cliffside ruin or the grand Victorian mansion? Let us know in the comments which one captures your imagination! πŸšπŸ’¨πŸ‘‡

#CastlesOfScotland #KeissCastle #Caithness #ScottishHistory #NC500 #MotorhomeTouringScotland #JohnnyBurr #ExploreScotland

 

 

For more of the Castles of Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keiss_Castle

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NTTk4vGyDXVvUWaZkYuTE6X1IA9p8A8&usp=sharing

Linktree https://linktr.ee/johnnyburr

Cobbie Row’s Castle

  🏰 Castles of Scotland The Viking Stronghold — Cobbie Row’s Castle If you’re traveling through the Orkney Islands, you’ll find the ruins o...