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Dunnet And Canisbay

Bucholie Castle Ruins

Highlight • Historical Site

Bucholie Castle Ruins

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    August 11, 2024

    Bucholie Castle or a predecessor is said to have been built around 1140 by Sweyn Asliefson, a Norse pirate and privateer. However, the buildings visible today were built by the Mowat family, who received the land from King Robert the Bruce.

    The castle stands on a 30-metre-high peninsula and is separated from the land by a moat about 2 metres wide and 3 metres deep. Only the high western wall and part of the south wall of the castle remain.

    The headland in front of the gatehouse as part of the keep tapers to an extremely narrow point, with unstable cliffs on either side of an unstable step to the entrance. Entering the castle is therefore too dangerous.

    Translated by Google •

      May 28, 2025

      Bucholie Castle – Forgotten ruin on a cliff edge
      One of Caithness’s most dramatic, yet least visited castles, this 15th-century ruin sits on a narrow headland overlooking the North Sea, a few miles south of John O’Groats. The walk to it (approx. 20 mins from the A99) takes you across quiet meadows and ends with a spectacular view of the remains.

      Translated by Google •

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        Elevation 70 m

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        Monday 22 December

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        Location: Dunnet And Canisbay, Highlands, Scotland, United Kingdom

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