Castles of Clan Sinclair

Roslin Castle (Midlothian)
Roslin Castle, located near the village of Roslin, was the earliest and most iconic seat of the Sinclair Barons of Roslin. Built in the 14th century on a high rock overlooking the River North Esk, the castle became the spiritual and political center of Sinclair power in Lowland Scotland. It was sacked multiple times, including during the Rough Wooing in 1544 and again during Cromwell’s invasion in 1650. While partially ruined, the 16th-century range remains intact and is still owned by Sinclair descendants. The nearby Rosslyn Chapel, founded by the same family, adds to its historic and architectural significance.

Castle Sinclair Girnigoe (Caithness)
Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, perched on a clifftop near Wick, was the principal fortress of the Sinclair Earls of Caithness. It originated as Girnigoe Castle in the 15th century and was later expanded and renamed after the union of the Sinclair and Norse lines. The castle endured sieges and feuds, including damage sustained during the 17th-century conflicts between rival Sinclair and Campbell factions. Today, its dramatic ruins overlook Sinclair Bay, and the site is maintained by the Clan Sinclair Trust. It is one of the most significant clan castles in the far north.

Castle of Mey (Caithness)
The Castle of Mey, originally known as Barrogill Castle, was built around 1566 by George Sinclair, 4th Earl of Caithness, for his younger son. It later became the seat of the Sinclairs of Mey, a cadet branch of the clan. The castle remained with the Sinclairs until the mid-20th century, when it was purchased and restored by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. The tower’s symmetrical turrets and defensive walls reflect its 16th-century origins. It remains one of the best-preserved Sinclair castles and a royal historic site.

Ravenscraig Castle (Fife)
Ravenscraig Castle, overlooking the Firth of Forth in Kirkcaldy, was granted to William Sinclair, 1st Earl of Caithness, in 1470 in exchange for his resignation of Orkney and Shetland. Intended as an artillery fortress, the castle features thick stone walls and gun loops designed for defense against cannon fire. The Sinclairs of Caithness completed its construction and held it for nearly two centuries. Although partially ruined, its massive towers and moated setting remain imposing. It stands today as an early example of a purpose-built gunpowder-era fortress.

Dunbeath Castle (Caithness)
Dunbeath Castle, located on a coastal promontory south of Wick, came into Sinclair hands through marriage in the 15th century. The castle was attacked in 1650 during the civil wars and briefly held by forces loyal to the Marquis of Montrose. Lady Sinclair’s defense of the castle during this siege became part of clan legend. Although remodeled in the 17th and 19th centuries, the castle retains much of its original structure. It remains a private residence with commanding sea views.

Keiss Castle (Caithness)
Keiss Castle, a ruined tower house on cliffs north of Wick, was built in the late 16th or early 17th century by the Sinclairs of Keiss. The family held the castle until the mid-18th century, when it was abandoned for a newer house inland. The tower’s fragmented walls and dramatic cliff-edge location make it a notable landmark. An armorial panel with Sinclair heraldry was preserved and installed nearby. Though now a ruin, Keiss symbolizes the clan’s coastal dominion in Caithness.

Braal Castle (Caithness)
Braal Castle, near Halkirk, was originally built as a royal hunting lodge and became a Sinclair residence in the 15th century. It later passed to the Sinclairs of Ulbster, a cadet branch of the clan. The three-story tower had thick stone walls and defensive turrets typical of early tower houses. In later centuries, the structure fell into ruin. Today, its remains are partially integrated into a private home.

Thurso Castle (Caithness)
Thurso Castle, overlooking the sea at the mouth of the River Thurso, was a longstanding Sinclair property. The original medieval structure was expanded into a Gothic-style mansion in the 19th century. Though partly ruined today, it includes turrets, gatehouses, and remnants of earlier buildings. The castle has been home to the Viscounts Thurso, a modern cadet branch of Clan Sinclair. It remains one of the clan’s most prominent estates.

Herdmanston Castle (East Lothian)
Herdmanston Castle was the seat of the Sinclairs of Herdmanston, one of the earliest branches of the clan. Granted to Henry de St. Clair in the 12th century, the family held it for over 500 years. The original tower was demolished in the 20th century, though traces survive. It symbolized the clan’s enduring presence in the Lothians. Herdmanston remains important in Sinclair genealogy and lore.

Castles Loosely Associated with Clan Sinclair

Ackergill Tower
Ackergill Tower, located near Wick, was originally held by Clan Keith but was briefly occupied by the Sinclairs during the 16th-century Caithness feuds. It was besieged multiple times, including a peaceful surrender in 1623 after Sir Robert Gordon moved against the Sinclairs. Though not long held, its repeated capture shows the clan’s aggressive expansionist tactics. The five-story tower remains in excellent condition today. It is one of the tallest surviving tower houses in Scotland.

Castle of Old Wick
The Castle of Old Wick, on a sea cliff south of Wick, was besieged by the Sinclairs in the 16th century during a conflict with the Oliphant family. After an eight-day siege, it was surrendered to the Sinclairs, who later sold it. The tall, narrow tower stands precariously on a narrow promontory. Its dramatic location makes it one of Scotland’s oldest stone towers. Though not long-held, the siege reflects Sinclair power struggles.

Kirkwall Castle
Kirkwall Castle, in Orkney, was built in the 14th century by Henry Sinclair, 1st Earl of Orkney. The castle served as a power base in the north but was destroyed in 1614 after a Sinclair-led rebellion. Though no longer standing, it was once one of the strongest castles in the Isles. The site lies near St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall. It reflects the Sinclair legacy as Earls of Orkney.

Ballindalloch Castle
Ballindalloch Castle, while primarily a Macpherson-Grant estate, was briefly held in trust by the Sinclairs in the 17th century during legal disputes. The link was minor but documented. The current castle remains fully intact and is open to the public. Though not part of the main Sinclair estate, its short-lived connection places it on the periphery of clan history.

References

Coventry, M. (2010). The Castles of Scotland (5th ed.). Musselburgh: Goblinshead.
Tabraham, C. (2005). Scotland’s Castles. London: Batsford.
Historic Environment Scotland. (n.d.). Castle Records and Listings.
Clan Sinclair Trust. (n.d.). Clan History and Castle Preservation Projects.
RCAHMS. (n.d.). National Monuments Record of Scotland.