Ackergill Tower

Heritage Site in Caithness

Scotland

Ackergill Tower

Old Caithness-slate wall near Ackergill
Old Caithness-slate wall near Ackergill Credit: sylvia duckworth

Ackergill Tower is a historic castle located in Caithness, Scotland. Situated on the rugged coastline overlooking Sinclair's Bay, this 15th-century tower house has been designated as a Category A listed building and is recognized as a significant heritage site.

Constructed in the 15th century by the Keith family, Ackergill Tower was initially designed as a fortified tower house to provide protection against Viking raids. Over the centuries, the castle underwent several modifications and expansions, resulting in the current structure that combines medieval and Victorian architectural styles.

The tower features a three-story rectangular keep with a distinctive crow-stepped gable roof. The external walls are built with locally sourced Caithness flagstone, giving the castle a sturdy and imposing appearance. Inside, visitors can explore a range of rooms including the Great Hall, which showcases the castle's historical grandeur with its high vaulted ceiling and ornate fireplace.

Surrounding the tower is a sprawling estate that offers picturesque views of the surrounding countryside and coastline. The estate includes well-manicured gardens, a private beach, and a charming walled garden. Additionally, the castle has a rich history and is said to be haunted, adding to its intrigue and appeal.

Today, Ackergill Tower operates as an exclusive venue for weddings, corporate events, and private stays. Its luxurious accommodations and stunning surroundings make it a popular destination for those seeking a unique and memorable experience. With its rich history, architectural significance, and breathtaking location, Ackergill Tower remains an iconic heritage site in Caithness.

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Ackergill Tower Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.475/-3.105 or Grid Reference ND3554. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Old Caithness-slate wall near Ackergill
Old Caithness-slate wall near Ackergill
Ackergill Tower
Ackergill Tower
Ackergill Tower
Ackergill Tower
Beach at Reiss
Beach at Reiss
Hedgerow near Reiss With a very old stone gatepost.
Hedgerow near Reiss
With a very old stone gatepost.
Flotsam on Reiss Beach Iron shackle on a half-metre diameter timber, perhaps part of a ship's mast.
Flotsam on Reiss Beach
Iron shackle on a half-metre diameter timber, perhaps part of a ship's mast.
Ackergill Green The poles used for the drying of salmon fishers' nets are still standing, even though there is no longer any netting of salmon hereabouts.  This must have been an important station as there is an ice house (or two) down by the harbour.
Ackergill Green
The poles used for the drying of salmon fishers' nets are still standing, even though there is no longer any netting of salmon hereabouts. This must have been an important station as there is an ice house (or two) down by the harbour.
Abandoned Farm Near Ackergill the abandoned and derelict farmsteading of Shorelands makes for sad viewing.  By its size it must have been a substantial business.
Abandoned Farm
Near Ackergill the abandoned and derelict farmsteading of Shorelands makes for sad viewing. By its size it must have been a substantial business.
Sinclair Bay Looking east along the coast towards Noss Head with its lighthouse and the striking ruins of  castles Girnigoe and Sinclair.
Sinclair Bay
Looking east along the coast towards Noss Head with its lighthouse and the striking ruins of castles Girnigoe and Sinclair.
Pill Box The Caithness coastline is still peppered with these small, low, concrete weapon emplacements.
Pill Box
The Caithness coastline is still peppered with these small, low, concrete weapon emplacements.
Farm Track Looking past the cottages to Ackergill Mains.
Farm Track
Looking past the cottages to Ackergill Mains.
Sinclair Bay The wonderful broad, clean, sandy beach at Ackergill Links.  It seems to stretch forever!
Sinclair Bay
The wonderful broad, clean, sandy beach at Ackergill Links. It seems to stretch forever!
Sinclair Bay Looking towards Ackergill Tower its reflection cast a pleasing image on the nearby wet sand as the tide receded.
Sinclair Bay
Looking towards Ackergill Tower its reflection cast a pleasing image on the nearby wet sand as the tide receded.
Abandoned Cottage Typical of many farms and cottars' cottages in Caithness, it is abandoned and showing signs of dereliction.
Abandoned Cottage
Typical of many farms and cottars' cottages in Caithness, it is abandoned and showing signs of dereliction.
Reiss Lodge Entrance driveway into an attractive house.
Reiss Lodge
Entrance driveway into an attractive house.
Sinclair's Bay - 1987 Sinclair's Bay seen from carpark near Ackergill Links. Noss Head and Noss Head lighthouse visible in the distance.
Sinclair's Bay - 1987
Sinclair's Bay seen from carpark near Ackergill Links. Noss Head and Noss Head lighthouse visible in the distance.
Sinclair's Bay - 1987
Sinclair's Bay - 1987
Sinclair's Bay - 1987 Sinclair's Bay seen from carpark near Ackergill Links. Noss Head and Noss Head lighthouse visible in the distance.
Sinclair's Bay - 1987
Sinclair's Bay seen from carpark near Ackergill Links. Noss Head and Noss Head lighthouse visible in the distance.
Show me another place!

Ackergill Tower is located at Grid Ref: ND3554 (Lat: 58.475, Lng: -3.105)

Unitary Authority: Highlands

Police Authority: Highland and Islands

What 3 Words

///lifelong.blush.tungsten. Near Wick, Highland

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 58.475,-3.105
Leisure: slipway
Lat/Long: 58.4743381/-3.101128
Bus Stop
Ackergillshore
Naptan AtcoCode: 6700713331
Naptan Bearing: NE
Naptan CommonName: Ackergillshore
Naptan Indicator: at Crescent
Naptan Landmark: Crescent
Naptan NaptanCode: 45325984
Naptan Street: Ackergill Road
Naptan Verified: no
Source: naptan_import
Lat/Long: 58.4729921/-3.1019062
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.4731293/-3.102964
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.4731431/-3.1036807
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.4731643/-3.1045071
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.4731813/-3.1053517
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.4732026/-3.1061659
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.4732259/-3.1070714
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.4725167/-3.1077009
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.4718202/-3.1083303
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.4711227/-3.1089556
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.4743109/-3.1082288
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.4739213/-3.1077029
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 58.4734499/-3.107043
Bench
Lat/Long: 58.4741749/-3.1008123
Leisure: picnic_table
Lat/Long: 58.4741741/-3.100843
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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