Castle Gunn - Clan Gunn History
Castle Gunn
Location: Near Bruan, Caithness, Scotland
Perched dramatically on a sea stack along the windswept coast of Caithness, Castle Gunn is a haunting ruin tied to one of Scotland’s most ancient clans.
Clan Gunn, whose roots trace back to Norse settlers and Gaelic ancestors, held significant influence in northern Scotland during the medieval era.
According to tradition, Castle Gunn was built in the 13th century by Snaekoll Gunnsson, a grandson of the Norse Jarl of Orkney.
The location was chosen for its defensibility, isolated on a rocky outcrop with sheer drops to the sea below—accessible only by a narrow causeway.
Clan Gunn dominated the region for centuries, often engaged in fierce feuds with rival clans such as the Keiths and the Sinclairs.
The castle served as their stronghold and symbol of their power until it was allegedly destroyed in the 15th century during a violent betrayal.
Today, only remnants of Castle Gunn remain, battered by sea and time, yet it still evokes the fierce independence and dramatic history of Clan Gunn.
Other Gunn Castles and Strongholds
Dirlot Castle: Located near Watten in Caithness, this castle was originally held by the Cheynes but came into Gunn hands during the 15th century. However, it later passed to Clan Sutherland and then to Clan Mackay. The ruins stand as a testament to the region’s shifting allegiances.
Halberry Castle: Near Wick, Caithness, Halberry Castle was another important Gunn stronghold. Though now only a remnant remains by the sea, it once played a central role in the clan’s defense and local authority.
Latheron Castle: Situated near Dunbeath, Caithness, Latheron Castle was held by the Gunns but later passed to Clan Sinclair in the 17th century. Today, only slight remains of the castle exist, but nearby Latheron House—dating from the 18th century—still stands.
Kinbrace: This location is believed to have once hosted a castle held by the Gunns, although the exact site is uncertain. It remains part of the clan’s elusive but enduring legacy in the Highlands.
Though the ruins of these strongholds are scattered and faint, they remain potent symbols of Clan Gunn’s resilience, strategic strength, and fierce independence. Each site speaks to the clan’s turbulent history and its enduring presence in the story of the Scottish Highlands.