Dornoch Castle

Dornoch Castle is situated in the town of Dornoch in Scotland and was originally built by the medieval Scottish Church around the year 1500. It served as the residence for the bishops of Caithness, reflecting its origins in the ecclesiastical authority of the region.

In 1557, the castle changed hands when Bishop Robert Stewart transferred ownership to John Gordon, the 11th Earl of Sutherland. This marked a shift from its religious function toward noble stewardship. However, the castle suffered serious damage in 1570 during a violent conflict between the Mackay and Murray clans, when it was deliberately set on fire. Following this attack, the structure was restored, and notably, the upper part of the tower was added during the rebuilding phase. This upper section included a spiral staircase, which later provided access to a courtroom utilized in the early 1800s.

Throughout the 18th century, the castle’s condition declined until restoration work was carried out between 1813 and 1814. After repairs, it served civic purposes as both a school and a prison. Further transformation took place in 1859–1860, when architect William Fowler undertook extensive remodeling. These changes prepared the castle for its role as a courthouse and as the sheriff’s headquarters for the Sutherland area.

Around 1880, the castle underwent additional modifications. The south-west block was raised in height and a three-storey tower was added on the eastern side. Following these alterations, the building became a hunting lodge that accommodated visiting sportsmen, reflecting its adaptation toward private leisure use.

In the 20th century, Dornoch Castle was sold to a private developer in 1922 and later converted into a hotel in 1947. As of 2021, it operates as a family-run hotel offering 24 guest rooms, including suites and garden rooms added during the 1970s. The castle also holds the status of a category B listed building, recognizing its regional architectural and historical importance. Local tradition tells of a ghost haunting the castle, believed to be Andrew McCornish, a 17th-century covenanter who was executed for stealing sheep.