Description:

Caisteal Bharraich (Castle Varrich), just west of Tongue and standing high against the sky, was a 14th-century stronghold of Clan Mackay, though there’s evidence it may have been a Norse fort even earlier. In the 16th century, it’s said the castle belonged to the Bishop of Caithness, who stayed there while traveling from his castle at Scrabster to his property at Balnakeil. Abandoned for over two centuries, it fell into disrepair from wind, rain, and further damage when a 2015 storm destroyed its east wall. Restoration work in recent years earned it one of only nine AABC Conservation Awards at the 2019 Civic Trust Awards. Today, a sleek stainless steel spiral staircase, opened in May 2018, leads to a viewing platform with sweeping views of the surrounding land and sea.