Description:

The crumbling structure on the slopes of Clardon Hill marks the resting place of one of two rivals who clashed in 1196, in a classic tale of good versus evil. On one side stood the ruthless Harold Maddadson, or ‘Harold the Elder,’ son of the notorious Countess of Athole, whose cruelty made him a terror to Caithness. Opposing him was Harald Ungi, ‘Harald the Younger,’ grandson of Earl Ronald, a founder of Kirkwall Cathedral. Seeking to reclaim half his kingdom taken by Harold the Elder, Harald the Younger rallied his forces. The battle began with a fierce head-on charge, but early on, Harald was killed, leaving Murt and Lifolf to lead. For a time, neither side gained the upper hand, until the Caithness men broke through, pushing the Orcadians toward Murkle Bay. In the chaos, both Murt and Lifolf fell, and without leaders, the locals scattered. Victorious, Harold Elder crushed the rest of Caithness, punishing his foes with brutal mutilations. Harald was quietly buried where he fell, and locals built a small shrine over his grave, with some claiming miracles as proof of his just cause. The shrine later became a chapel, but it too fell into ruin, until Sir John Sinclair, prompted by Rev. Alexander, built a tower on the site—now itself abandoned and boarded up.