The Castle of Old Wick in northern Scotland has reopened to the public following a round of high-level masonry inspections and minor repairs completed by Historic Environment Scotland (HES).
In October, specialist conservation teams carried out tactile inspections of the medieval ruin, examining its stonework by hand while using ropes and scaffolding to safely access difficult areas. These checks form part of HES’s nationwide High-Level Masonry Programme, launched in April 2022, which assesses historic structures with masonry over 1.5 metres. The goal is to evaluate how age, original construction methods, climate, and location have affected these sites, and to guide long-term repair and public access strategies.
A Medieval Tower on Scotland’s Far North Coast
Standing on a dramatic rocky headland overlooking the North Sea, the Castle of Old Wick is one of the most striking medieval remains in Caithness, a region located at the very northern tip of mainland Scotland. The surviving structure is a tall, four-storey tower rising above a deep rock-cut ditch, with earthworks extending inland. Locally nicknamed the “Old Man of Wick,” the site is believed by tradition to have been founded by Earl Harald Maddadson in the 12th century. However, the masonry that survives today is thought to date from the 14th century or later—a reminder of Scotland’s turbulent late medieval period.
Its exposed coastal position has long made the castle vulnerable to harsh winds, salt spray, and storms rolling in from the North Sea, contributing to the ongoing erosion of its stonework. These environmental pressures made the recent inspections essential to ensure continued access for visitors.
Sian Evans, Regional Visitor and Community Manager at HES, commented, “The ‘Old Man of Wick’ is one of Caithness’ most striking medieval sites, a much-loved landmark for both locals and visitors, who I hope will enjoy visiting the site and exploring its history.”
The Castle of Old Wick in northern Scotland has reopened to the public following a round of high-level masonry inspections and minor repairs completed by Historic Environment Scotland (HES).
In October, specialist conservation teams carried out tactile inspections of the medieval ruin, examining its stonework by hand while using ropes and scaffolding to safely access difficult areas. These checks form part of HES’s nationwide High-Level Masonry Programme, launched in April 2022, which assesses historic structures with masonry over 1.5 metres. The goal is to evaluate how age, original construction methods, climate, and location have affected these sites, and to guide long-term repair and public access strategies.
A Medieval Tower on Scotland’s Far North Coast
Standing on a dramatic rocky headland overlooking the North Sea, the Castle of Old Wick is one of the most striking medieval remains in Caithness, a region located at the very northern tip of mainland Scotland. The surviving structure is a tall, four-storey tower rising above a deep rock-cut ditch, with earthworks extending inland. Locally nicknamed the “Old Man of Wick,” the site is believed by tradition to have been founded by Earl Harald Maddadson in the 12th century. However, the masonry that survives today is thought to date from the 14th century or later—a reminder of Scotland’s turbulent late medieval period.
Its exposed coastal position has long made the castle vulnerable to harsh winds, salt spray, and storms rolling in from the North Sea, contributing to the ongoing erosion of its stonework. These environmental pressures made the recent inspections essential to ensure continued access for visitors.
Sian Evans, Regional Visitor and Community Manager at HES, commented, “The ‘Old Man of Wick’ is one of Caithness’ most striking medieval sites, a much-loved landmark for both locals and visitors, who I hope will enjoy visiting the site and exploring its history.”
For more information about visiting, see the official site: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/castle-of-old-wick/
Top Image: Photo by Peter_Glyn / Wikimedia Commons
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