About Keiss Castle
Keiss Castle is a striking 16th-century tower house ruin dramatically positioned on the clifftop above Keiss beach on the Caithness coast. The roofless tower stands adjacent to the later Keiss House (18th century, still occupied) creating an interesting architectural pairing of old ruin and successor building. The ruin is easily visible from the beach below and from the road through the village. The castle was a Sinclair family stronghold and forms part of the extraordinary concentration of castle ruins on this stretch of the Caithness coast.
Highlights
16th-century tower house ruin
Clifftop above Keiss beach
Views north to John o'Groats
Adjacent new Keiss House (18th century)
Easy beach access
🚐 Motorhome Tip
Limited parking in Keiss village — not suitable for large motorhomes. Park carefully and walk to the beach for the best views of the castle above. Combine with a visit to Castle Sinclair Girnigoe (8 miles south near Wick) — the finest of the Caithness coastal castle ruins.
Getting There
On the A99 between John o'Groats and Wick. Turn into Keiss village. Castle is visible from the beach.
Best Time to Visit
Year round. Best photographed at low tide from the beach below.