The newly-formed SCIO, Castle Sinclair Girnigoe Trust (CSGT), wish to undertake some preliminary works at Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, in their first project at Castle Sinclair Girnigoe.

Since 1999 the Clan Sinclair Trust has worked tirelessly towards developing and protecting the castle, to provide a safe and exciting tourist attraction for the far north of Scotland. They were successful in raising well over £1 million towards conservation works at the castle, which was mostly used towards conserving the western section of the castle. Access improvements and intepretation was also installed at the castle, meaning that Caithness had a genuinely world-class tourist attraction on its doorstep - indeed, latterly, it became, and remains to this day, the only Scottish castle listed by the World Monuments Fund - rubbing shoulders with the likes of Machu Picchu and the Taj Mahal!

After many years of successful fundraising and project development, the Clan Sinclair Trust are now 'passing the baton' to a new generation of locals who wish to progress the next stage of the project: it is the firm belief of the Castle Sinclair Girnigoe Trust that the castle presents a huge opportunity in terms of heritage tourism for the county, and so a team of experienced and capable individuals has been brought together to take on the challenge.

Sinclair Girnigoe Castle is in the process of being transferred to CSGT, and so the organisation will likely be in possession of the monument by January 2027. The overarching project is substantial, and CSGT are keen to make headway in small but crucial projects, listed below:

Preliminary Project 1: Fencing Project

CSGT wish to undertake a number of projects at the site. The first project which has been identified is the replacement of seaward fencing from the car park to the castle itself. It is in a state of poor repair, which has led to visitors accessing steep-sided and slippy cliffs, which has already led to an accident in June 2026, as well as the death of two dogs. Ensuring that the castle is safe is of the utmost concern to the new  The fencing requirements can be found below:

211m strengthened fencing (from car park) 540m new fencing 110m higher fencing

This includes: 24 strainers 33 stays 1 new gate

Preliminary Project 2: Fabric Condition Survey and Phased Scope of Work.

In order to understand the scope and scale of the work, and where the priorties lie - and any urgent issues - a fabric condition survey is required:

1. The report will focus entirely on the condition of the ruin
2. We will report on the general condition of the fabric and identify areas of potential instabilities; We will outline the work required, including any potential temporary stabilisations; we will also make reference to work already carried out and indicate if any maintenance work is required in these areas.
3. The phased outline scope of work will include any additional detailed surveys required; the phasing will take into consideration the cost of the scaffolding required

Alongside the fabric condition survey, a 'phased scope of work' will also be produced. This willl essentially outline the costs towards conserving the structure, as well as improving access to the keep (via footbridge) and the upper regions of the eastern keep structure (via stairs)

Preliminary Project 3: Replacement of scaffolding and access gate

The second element of the project is the replacement of existing scaffolding on the Castle's eastern keep; this has been in situ for more than 20 years, and is now starting to deteoriate. It is crucial to the structure of the building, and to allow access to surveyors, engineers, architects, contractors, volunteers and potential funders, that safe and robust means of access are employed at the castle. Access here will need to be improved in order to develop and improve the castle. 

Alongside the scaffolding, CSGT wish to replace the current access to the keep. Currently this is allowed through a somewhat clandestine manner, which takes 30 minutes to open and close. The current gate was never intended to be used on a regular basis - but, as noted above, as the project develops, access requests will become more frequent, and we are keen to ensure that this is made smooth and efficient as possible. 

Relevance to Caithness Area Plan

CSGT are keen, capable, and motivated by the opportunity presented by the castle. The above projects are small but crucial to the development of a major tourist attraction in Caithness: As noted by one prominent architect, "this project is achievable and this spectacular castle can be shown to the public in the way it deserves". 

The Castle clearly fits into the theme of 'Tourism' as identified in the Caithness Area Place Plan there local community calling to "...develop more attractions for locals and tourists and ensure the County is seen as a destination." This view is also supported by the younger generation, who note the importance of "Making the most of what Caithness has to offer through promoting attractions". 

Castle Sinclair Girnigoe is arguably the most well-known and visited historic attraction in Caithness, and ultimately, CSGT envisage that the castle could be used to stimulate more heritage tourism visits to the county, leading to a more prosperous Caithness. More than this, though, is the opportunity on creating employment at the site itself - with the very real possibility that a visitor centre could be developed here: this leads to more jobs, and playing into a more diverse economy for the region - all of which is highlighted within the Caithness Area Plan.

Key Milestones

Since November 2025 the organisation has developmed from two individuals to a full board comprising a healthy of mix of age, experience, background and abilities. CSGT is working alongside the Clan Sinclair Trust towards transfer of the castle as well as transfer of monies which will support the organisation over the next 3 years. CSGT is also now a constituted charity, and now has a bank account, a website in development, and are looking to develop a forward plan which will give direction to the group and the castle for the next 5-10 years. The organisation maintains strong relations with both the neighbours, who have been very supportive of the project over the years, and are continuing to offer this support. 

Funding Applications

CSGT will apply to other funders including NHI CISP and the Stroupster Wind Farm Fund to ensure match-funding is in place.

Start/End date

We expect the project to start in late February 2027, completed by late May 2027