Revolving Around the Beauty of Architecture: Eyes – Scotland
Stop: Keiss Old Castle
Perched dramatically on a rugged cliff edge overlooking Sinclair’s Bay in Caithness, Keiss Old Castle is a hauntingly beautiful ruin that embodies Scotland’s wild coastal charm. Dating back to the late 16th or early 17th century, the tower house was built in a style typical of the era, with tall, narrow proportions designed as much for defense as for residence. Today, only fragments remain, but the skeletal silhouette against the North Sea skies makes it one of the most atmospheric castles in the Highlands.
The castle’s crumbling walls and precarious position give it an almost otherworldly presence. Standing nearby, you can sense both the vulnerability and strength that defined life here centuries ago, where architecture had to balance domestic life with constant vigilance against threats. Unlike grand, ornate palaces, Keiss Old Castle speaks to a raw, practical form of beauty—one carved out by necessity and the relentless forces of nature.
Its stark ruins contrast with the rolling farmland and sweeping beaches that surround it, making it a striking focal point in the Caithness landscape. More than just stone and mortar, Keiss Old Castle captures the enduring spirit of Scottish history, where architecture tells a story of resilience, survival, and the romance of ruin.
#mytraveldiary