Castle of Old Wick is a medieval castle dating back to the 12th century. It is perched on a cliff overlooking the North Sea, close to the town of Wick.

Castle of Old Wick was built in the 1100s, making it one of Scotland’s oldest. At this time Caithness and Sutherland were under the control of the King of Norway. Accordingly Wick Castle was probably founded by one of his magnates, Harald Maddadson, Earl of Orkney and Caithness. Harald was half Scottish - his father was Matad, Earl of Atholl - and it is presumed he sought a family seat on the mainland.

The castle was built upon a finger of rock that was protected on three sides by tall cliffs. The thin neck of land connecting the site to the mainland was defended by a gatehouse, ditch and drawbridge. The centrepiece of the castle was the Tower House. Below the cliffs on the north side is a sea inlet and beach which would have been ideal for sheltering small ships in use during the medieval period.

By the time the Wars of Independence started in 1296, Old Wick was one of numerous castles owned by Sir Reginald le Cheyne, Lord of Duffus. He supported John Balliol during the conflict, but there is no evidence any action took place at the castle. Wick then passed to his son, and later to Nicholas, Earl of Sutherland in 1345.

By the mid-15th century Old Wick Castle was owned by the Oliphant’s of Berriedale. During their ownership tensions increased with the Earls of Caithness and in 1569 the castle was besieged for 8 days, ultimately surrendering due to a lack of fresh water. The dispute came to an end in November 1604 when it was sold to George Sinclair, Earl of Caithness but, as it was situated just a few miles from his primary seat at Girnigoe, Old Wick went into disuse. It ceased being used as a residence entirely in the 18th century.