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Dunbeath Castle
Dunbeath Castle
Dunbeath Castle
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Dunbeath Castle

Dunbeath Castle is located on the east coast of Caithness, 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) south of Dunbeath, in northern Scotland. Although a castle has stood here since the 15th century, the present building is of mainly 17th-century origin, with 19th-century extensions.[1] The castle is a 19,669 sq ft (1,827.3 m2) Category A listed building[2] and the grounds are included in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland.[3]

History

[edit]

A castle is first recorded on the rocky peninsula at Dunbeath in 1428,[4] when the lands belonged to the Earl of Caithness. The first recorded laird was Alexander Sutherland.[4] It later became the property of the Clan Sinclair through the marriage of the daughter of Alexander Sutherland to William Sinclair (1410–1484), the first Sinclair Earl of Caithness. The Sinclairs replaced the earlier structure with a four-storey tower house in 1620.

After control for some time (during an unspecified period) by Lord Forbes of Geanies, then baron of Dunbeath, the property was reacquired by John Sinclair circa 1624. He is likely the owner "who extensively remodelled Dunbeath castle and built the upper storeys in the 1630s".[5]

In March 1650, Dunbeath was attacked by the Royalist forces of James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose, during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. Sir John Sinclair rode to Edinburgh to warn of Montrose's arrival, leaving his wife Catherine Fraser to defend Dunbeath against Sir John Hurry. She soon surrendered, and a Royalist garrison was installed. Montrose was defeated in April at the Battle of Carbisdale, and the opposition forces, under David Leslie, recaptured the castle.[4]

The castle was extensively remodelled in the 17th century by Sir William Sinclair, and again in 1853 and 1881, when David Bryce was the architect.[2] The major modification was making the "northern front of the castle symmetrical and [laying] out an approach down a three-quarter-mile-long, arrow-straight, tree-lined drive".[6]

From 1894 to 1945, the castle was owned by Vice-Admiral Sir Edwyn Alexander-Sinclair.[4] In that year, after 325 years of occupation by the Sinclair Family, the castle was sold to Bertram Currie. In 1967 it was sold again to Harry Blythe and Helen (Sinclaire) Blythe. The castle remained in their possession until 1976 when it was sold to Ray Stanton Avery. In 1997 the castle was sold to Stuart Wyndham Murray-Threipland and his wife. The property was listed for sale again in 2023, including 20 estate houses and cottages. At the time, the 13 bedroom, nine bathroom,[7] castle remained a private home; only the gardens were open to the public, by appointment.

The Castle and grounds were sold in 2024 for £25,000,000.00.


The new owner of Dunbeath Castle is a company called Dunbeath Estates Limited, whose sole director is Don Macleod. The identity of the buyer was hidden through a legal loophole involving trusts and company filings.

[8][9]

The castle

[edit]

The oldest part of the castle lies at the south-west corner, and dates largely from the 17th century. More modern additions have been made to the north and east, in a Scots Baronial style to match the earlier building. The interiors are much altered. The defensive site was enhanced by a dry ditch on the landward side, which cuts across the narrow promontory on which the castle stands.

[edit]

The 2023 Hindi movie Neeyat was filmed at Dunbeath.[10]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Dunbeath Castle

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from Grokipedia
Dunbeath Castle is a Category A listed 17th-century E-plan situated on a dramatic cliff-top promontory overlooking the , approximately 2 km south of the village of in the Highland council area of . The site's origins trace back to at least 1428, when the lands were held by the , with the earliest structure possibly dating to the medieval period and serving as a defensive outpost. Over the centuries, ownership passed through several prominent families, including the Crichtons in 1452, the Keiths by 1496, the Innes family by 1507, and the Sinclair family from 1529 (with the Geanies branch repurchasing it in 1624 after a brief ownership), who constructed much of the present building around 1620. The castle was besieged during the 1650 and later granted a baronetcy to the Sinclair family in 1704; it was sold in 1945 and underwent significant remodeling in the 1850s and by architects D. & J. Bryce around 1881, adding baronial-style wings and features. Architecturally, the castle comprises a four-storey harled and whitewashed structure with bartizans, turrets, a vaulted , gunloops, and a secret stair, reflecting its defensive heritage while incorporating later symmetrical northeast elevations and attics. Surrounding the castle is a designed landscape laid out in the late 17th or early , featuring a 1 km avenue, woodland belts, two walled gardens (one conventional and one with water features), and an lectern-style doocot, all contributing to its high scenic, historical, and architectural significance. As a private residence on a 28,500-acre estate, Dunbeath Castle was placed on the market in 2023 for offers over £25 million following the death of its previous owner in 2023, and sold in 2024 to Dunbeath Estates Limited, whose ownership details remain partially obscured by legal structures. The property is not open to the public, though its gardens may be viewed by appointment, underscoring its role as a secluded Highland landmark tied to Scotland's feudal and history.

Location and Estate

Site and Geography

Dunbeath Castle is situated approximately 2 kilometers south of village on the east coast of in the Highland region of , at coordinates 58°14′06″N 3°26′08″W. This positioning places it midway between the towns of Wick to the north and Golspie to the south, overlooking the along a rugged stretch of coastline. The castle occupies a dramatic cliff-top site on a rocky peninsula that projects into Dunbeath Bay, rising about 50 meters above and providing commanding views across the bay and toward the open . The surrounding terrain features steep cliffs that drop sharply to the sea, contributing to a sense of isolation and defensibility, while the adjacent landscape includes flat, walled fields and open coastal grasslands. The site lies close to the realigned A9 trunk road, which runs parallel to the coast approximately 1.6 kilometers inland, and is near the mouth of Dunbeath Water, a river that flows from inland moorlands into the bay below. poses ongoing risks here, as historical accounts note the sea actively undermining the cliffs, with wave action historically washing against the peninsula's southern and eastern sides. Geologically, the castle is built upon formations characteristic of the coastline, part of a thick sequence that dominates the region's low-lying coastal plateau and flagstone pavements. These reddish-brown sandstones, formed in ancient lake and river environments, weather into the stepped cliffs and provide the stable yet erodible foundation for the .

The Estate

The Dunbeath estate spans approximately 28,500 acres, encompassing a diverse array of landscapes that include farmland, extensive , 4 miles of rugged private coastline, and pockets of such as the tree-lined drive leading to the castle. This vast holding functions as a classic Scottish , blending natural with managed resources to support both economic activity and . Central to the estate's operations are its agricultural lands, which feature a 500-acre in-hand dedicated to with around 800 breeding ewes and 70 suckler , alongside traditional practices that reflect the region's small-scale tenure system. The estate also provides private access along its coastal stretch and oversees managed fisheries on 12.5 miles of the Water, a premier resource for and sea-trout . These components underscore the estate's role in sustaining local rural economies through rearing, coastal access, and aquatic resource management. Historically, the estate operated as the barony of Dunbeath, conferring feudal rights over local resources like peat extraction from its boglands and game hunting on the moors, which were essential for fuel, sustenance, and estate revenue in the feudal era. Ownership transitions, such as sales in the 17th century and more recent changes, have influenced shifts in land use from traditional baronial control to contemporary stewardship. Today, estate management emphasizes , with potential for development including wind farms—previously proposed on the property—and hydroelectric schemes leveraging the Dunbeath Water's flow. Conservation initiatives prioritize habitat restoration, such as projects to enhance carbon storage, and protection for species like coastal seabirds and river otters, contributing to broader efforts in . The estate supports 20 houses and cottages for staff and rentals, integrating modern residential needs with environmental goals.

History

Origins and Early Ownership

The origins of Dunbeath Castle trace back to the medieval period, with the site's strategic position on a rocky peninsula providing natural defenses against coastal threats, including potential Viking incursions. , the region encompassing , exhibits strong Norse influences through place-names and archaeological evidence of earlier settlements, though no direct ties to a fortified structure at the castle site have been confirmed. The earliest certain documentary reference to the lands of appears in a late 14th-century charter granting them to John de Barclay, marking the beginning of recorded feudal ownership in the area. By the early 15th century, the lands had passed into the hands of the Sutherland family, with Alexander Sutherland emerging as the first recorded of Dunbeath. On 24 October 1439, Earl Alexander MacDonald of Ross issued a precept guaranteeing protection to Alexander Sutherland and his sister Mary for their holdings in Dunbeath and nearby Reay, underscoring the estate's integration into the broader Lordship of the Isles. Further affirming his status, Alexander received a grant of the lands of Easter Kindeace in Nigg parish from Earl John of Ross on 13 August 1449. In his will dated 15 November 1456, drawn up at , Alexander named Earl John as his guardian, indicating the close ties between the Sutherlands and the MacDonalds; he likely died shortly thereafter. The Sinclair family's acquisition of occurred through a alliance in the mid-15th century, when Alexander Sutherland's daughter Marjory wed William Sinclair, the 1st , sometime before November 1456. This union transferred control of the estate to the Sinclairs, establishing their long-term dominance in the region and laying the foundation for subsequent developments at the castle. The not only consolidated Sinclair influence in but also aligned the family with key northern Scottish lordships.

Sinclair Ownership and Conflicts

The Sinclair family acquired Dunbeath in 1529 through a Crown charter granted to Alexander Sinclair of Stemster following the resignation of the previous owner, Alexander Innes, establishing their control as barons of Dunbeath. The estate had passed to the Innes family by 1507, but the Sinclairs reacquired it decisively in 1529. The Geanies branch solidified their hold in 1624 when Sir John Sinclair of Geanies, a second son of George Sinclair of Mey, repurchased the barony from Lord Forbes, to whom it had been sold in 1610 by George Sinclair of Dunbeath. In 1704, James Sinclair of Dunbeath was created a baronet in the Baronetage of Nova Scotia, affirming the family's status. This branch of the Sinclairs maintained possession for approximately 325 years until the estate's sale in 1945. Under Sinclair stewardship, particularly in the early , the castle underwent significant remodeling to expand and fortify the structure, reflecting the family's efforts to adapt the medieval tower to contemporary needs. Sir John Sinclair of Geanies initiated these works around the 1630s, absorbing the original tower into a larger four-storey E-plan with added upper storeys for enhanced residential and defensive capabilities. These modifications, including broader wings and improved internal layouts, transformed the castle from a simple fortified keep into a more substantial baronial residence while preserving its strategic position on the coastal . The site's existing defensive features, such as the dry ditch cutting across the landward side of the , complemented these expansions by providing a against land-based assaults. A pivotal conflict during Sinclair ownership occurred in March 1650 amid the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, when Royalist forces under James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose, besieged and captured the castle after a brief resistance. Sir John Sinclair was absent, but his wife, Lady Sinclair, was taken during , and the garrison surrendered quickly, allowing Montrose to garrison the site as part of his campaign in . However, Montrose's forces suffered a decisive defeat at the on April 27, 1650, enabling Covenanting opposition troops under David Leslie to advance and recapture Dunbeath Castle shortly thereafter, restoring it to Sinclair control. This episode highlighted the castle's vulnerability during broader civil strife but also its resilience, as the structure emerged intact from the occupation.

Modern Ownership and Developments

In the 19th century, Dunbeath Castle underwent major remodeling efforts led by Scottish architect David Bryce, with significant work in 1853 and further expansions around 1881 that transformed the structure into a prominent example of Scots Baronial style, featuring symmetrical facades and enhanced residential accommodations. The Sinclair family's long tenure ended in 1945 upon the death of Edwyn Alexander-Sinclair, when the estate was sold to Bertram Currie. In 1967, the property changed hands again to Harry Blythe and his wife Helen, who held it until 1976. That year, American inventor and businessman Ray Stanton Avery acquired the castle, owning it for two decades during which he established the Dunbeath Preservation Trust in 1985 to promote local heritage preservation and archaeological studies. Avery sold the estate in 1997 to Stuart Wyndham Murray-Threipland, who maintained ownership until his death in 2023. Under Murray-Threipland, the castle saw sensitive updates to adapt it for modern living while preserving its historical integrity. In July 2023, amid financial challenges, the 28,500-acre estate—including the 13-bedroom castle—was listed for sale at offers over £25 million; it was successfully sold in July 2024 to Dunbeath Estates Limited, a company directed by Don Macleod, a partner at the law firm Turcan Connell, and now operates as a private residence. Throughout the , successive owners implemented practical modernizations to support residential use, such as installing and systems, enabling comfortable contemporary habitation without compromising the castle's core fabric.

Architecture

Construction Phases

The origins of Dunbeath Castle trace back to the early , when a fortified structure is first referenced as the focus of a local settlement on the rocky site. This initial building likely took the form of a basic , approximately three to four stories high, incorporating defensive walls to protect against coastal threats in the region. In the early 17th century, under the ownership of the Sinclair family, the castle underwent major rebuilding around 1620, transforming the earlier tower into a more substantial four-storey E-plan with added wings for enhanced defensibility and living space. This phase established the core layout still evident today. Concurrently, defensive features were strengthened, notably with a dry —a wide —excavated across the landward base of the peninsula to isolate the site, as documented in contemporary maps from 1654. The brought further expansions focused on comfort and stylistic enhancement. In 1853, initial alterations modernized the interior for residential use while preserving core. A more extensive remodeling followed in 1881 under architects D. & J. Bryce, who symmetrized the northern facade, added turrets, crow-stepped gables, and a southeastern wing, significantly enlarging the castle to approximately 17,000 square feet. Dunbeath Castle was designated a on April 13, 1971, by , acknowledging its outstanding architectural and historical importance as a evolved fortified residence.

Design Features and Interior

Dunbeath Castle exemplifies the Scots Baronial style, characterized by its symmetrical northern facade, crow-stepped gables, and prominent turrets that evoke a romanticized medieval aesthetic blended with proportions. The structure features angle bartizans with conical roofs at the corners, bowed stair towers flanking a central round-headed moulded doorpiece, and a corbelled above the entrance, all rendered in harled walls with margins and dressings for a textured, fortified appearance. Cross-mullioned windows punctuate the elevations, providing light while originally serving defensive purposes through narrow slits designed as gun loops and shot-holes. The interior layout spans multiple floors connected by a network of winding staircases and corridors, including a turnpike stair in one turret and a narrow secret stair from the . The vaulted houses a with a large and an adjacent wine cellar, while upper levels include a hall accessible via these stairs. The castle accommodates 13 bedrooms—eight principal ones named after historic naval battles—nine bathrooms, and three reception rooms, all benefiting from high ceilings and large windows that maximize sea views on the eastern side. Grand details such as cornicing, wood panelling, and marble fireplaces enhance the residential character, with walls up to five feet thick integrating original defensive solidity into contemporary living spaces.

Cultural Significance

Role in Local Heritage

Dunbeath Castle serves as a pivotal symbol of Clan Sinclair's enduring legacy in , having passed into their ownership through the marriage of the daughter of Alexander Sutherland to William Sinclair, , in the , and serving as a seat for the Sinclairs until its sale in 1945. The castle's involvement in historical events, such as its siege by Royalist forces under the Marquess of Montrose in March 1650 during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, has woven it into the fabric of local narratives, contributing to through tales of resilience and conflict that highlight the region's turbulent past. This historical significance bolsters tourism in the area, drawing visitors to the dramatic clifftop site as an emblem of Highland heritage, even though the private residence limits direct access. Preservation efforts centered on the castle and its surroundings were catalyzed by the establishment of the Dunbeath Preservation Trust in 1985, founded by , the American inventor and then-owner of the Dunbeath Estate. The trust, aimed at exploring, studying, preserving, and maintaining the natural and cultural heritage of and its strath for educational and charitable purposes, received substantial funding from Avery's bequest to support initiatives like the Dunbeath Heritage Centre. Housed in a mid-19th-century school building, the centre functions as a registered offering exhibitions, lectures, storytelling sessions, and heritage interpretation events that educate the public on local history tied to the castle, while also funding archaeological surveys—such as those conducted by the —that have identified hundreds of prehistoric and historic sites in the strath. These activities foster community engagement and safeguard cultural artifacts linked to the castle's legacy. The castle and its 28,500-acre estate continue to impact the local community through employment opportunities in farming and maintenance, including management of a 500-acre in-hand farm supporting 70 suckler and 800 breeding ewes, with 20 estate houses providing accommodation for staff and rentals that sustain the local economy. Occasional public events, such as those hosted by the Heritage Centre, further strengthen ties by celebrating the castle's through guided heritage walks and cultural programs that involve residents. In terms of conservation, the castle holds Category A listing status from , recognizing its national importance as a medieval stronghold with 17th- and 19th-century modifications, which mandates protections against threats like along its precarious clifftop position overlooking the . Recent owners have contributed to ongoing upkeep, integrating these efforts with broader ecological conservation on the estate to preserve its role in Caithness's heritage. Dunbeath Castle served as a key filming location for the 2023 Hindi mystery thriller Neeyat, directed by and starring , where its rugged coastal cliffs and isolated tower house provided a dramatic backdrop for scenes of intrigue and suspense. The production utilized the castle's gardens and exterior views overlooking the , highlighting its atmospheric isolation that enhanced the film's tense narrative. In , the castle features prominently in novels centered on , such as Celeste Barclay's His Highland Prize (2020), part of the Clan Sinclair series, where it appears as Castle Dunbeath during a stormy Highland encounter involving Alexander Sinclair. Similarly, Barclay's Highland Jewel (2022), from The Clan Sinclair Legacy series, depicts the castle as a familial stronghold in tales of medieval alliances and conflicts among Highland clans, evoking the era's turbulent loyalties. These works draw on the castle's historical ties to the Sinclairs to portray 15th- and 16th-century settings of romance and rivalry. The castle has appeared in various media promoting Scottish and heritage, including the Venture North Dunbeath and Sinclair Castles (2024), which showcases its clifftop perch as part of Caithness's scenic attractions to encourage visitors to the region. Real estate videos, such as "Inside a $32,000,000 for Sale in " (2023) by Philip Wells Real Estate, emphasize its private exclusivity and iconic status in documentaries-style tours, attracting global interest in Scottish estates. Social media content on platforms like further promotes it through historical overviews and virtual tours, underscoring its allure as a hidden gem. Dunbeath Castle embodies the romantic ideal of the secluded Scottish baronial estate in popular media, often symbolizing untamed Highland wilderness and noble heritage, as seen in its portrayal in sale listings and travel features that dub it a "Scottish dream" . Its dramatic architecture, with crow-stepped gables and sea-facing towers, lends itself to such archetypal depictions in and .

References

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  22. https://www.dunbeath-heritage.org.uk/about
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  25. https://www.countrylife.co.uk/property/bonnie-banks-cliffs-and-seas-the-top-scottish-properties-to-sell-in-2024-277964
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  30. https://www.onthemarket.com/details/13325215/
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  32. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21908676/locations/
  33. https://curlytales.com/vidya-balan-shares-interesting-story-about-the-location-where-neeyat-was-shot/
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  36. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91g-xTyzb38
  37. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0zzkL_nnT0
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