Clan Sinclair in Caithness

Journey through time with a professional genealogist and STGA Tour Guide - follow the Sinclairs the Earls of Caithness. The chiefs of Clan Sinclair (formerly St Clair) were the Barons of Roslin and later the Earls of Orkney and Earls of Caithness. They came from Normandy to England during the Norman conquest of England, before arriving in Scotland in the 11th century.

A bespoke private tour of Caithness in the Northern Highlands, with a local guide and professional genealogist, around our dramatic coastline and through the lands of Clan Sinclair.

Our remote and rugged county of Caithness bears the scars and ruins from its’ torrid past, but still has some beautiful castles standing guard over the notorious Pentland Firth – they lived to tell their tales! Discover modern Caithness, then step back in time to listen to tales of the Vikings and of Clan Sinclair successes, struggles and dastardly deeds here in the far north!

Take our standard Clan Sinclair Tour or work with our professional genealogist and registered STGA & HOSTGA Tour Guide for a bespoke tour with your family research and/or clan connections.

RobbieMac offers professional Scottish genealogy services and has worked with numerous clients worldwide to:

• Research their family genealogy and /or clan connections.
• Compile Family History Reports.
• Organise bespoke Ancestral Tours.
• Provide advice & guidance on organising Family Reunions & Clan Gatherings.
• Member of Scottish Genealogy Services
• Member Caithness Family History Society
• Member Association of Professional Genealogists

Rob brings vast professional expertise with 20 years ancestry and family research expertise and brings local knowledge to your ancestral tour or clan enquiry. It is important to us that we ensure our personal family history report is comprehensive and the follow-up bespoke ancestral or clan tour and/or organised family meeting or gathering will make your trip to Scotland very very special! We create a personal package to suit each case..

        Highlights: This tour can be Custom or Bespoke for a Full Day or Multi Day Tour. (If you are on limited time, we can do a reduced itinerary for Half Day). Pickup from hotel or ship.

• Old Man of Wick Castle perhaps Scotland’s oldest castle built in 1100s on the cliffs not far from Wick Harbour.
• Roam the ruins of Sinclair – Girnigoe Castle which sit precariously above threatening cliffs on Sinclair’s Bay.
• Stop and look across to Old Keiss Castle ruin sitting precariously on cliffs.
• New Keiss Castle in the Scottish Baronial style is the later replacement home nearby
• Timeout at John o’Groats with its’ mecca of cafes, tourist outlets and Highland Shop AND the ever popular ‘Journeys End’ signpost.
• Visit the old Canisbay Kirk which belonged to the Sinclairs of Mey.
• An optional extra, private tour of the Castle of Mey will give you a great view of the castle and contents. Built by 4th Earl of Caithness.
• Travel along the Pentland Firth. On a clear day you can see the Orkney Islands and nearby Stroma Island.
• Visit Old Thurso Castle Gatehouse , part of Thurso Castle.
• Through farmlands onto Harald’s Tower (Sinclair Mausoleum).
• Stop to view over to Thurso Castle – now a ruin after a fire many decades ago.
• Church ruins of St Peter and St John.
• Additional clanlands, relevant to family and time available.
• Return

Historic Caithness is truly the most dramatic and photogenic part of the Northern Highlands of Scotland, and a living testament to the determination and efforts of Clan Sinclair and their part in our Caithness (Kaitness) history.

Today many families here and elsewhere carry the name Sinclair – the genealogies are difficult, but they continue diligently to research the highly complex Sinclair family name..

 Pick up

• Inverness, Dornoch, Thurso, Wick, John o'Groats, Mey, Scrabster, Invergordon - or location to be agreed when booking
• Cruise ship passengers are met by the guide outside service port gate, a short walk from the gangway.

 Tour duration

• Day or Extended Day Tours to be agreed when finalising tour.
• Times: 09:00 – 17:00 or as arranged (tours for cruise ships will be aligned to times in port).

Responsible Travel & Tourism

We commit to making our world a little bit better, one step and one experience at a time by:

• Membership of: Green Tourism, National Trust, RSPB, World Wildlife Foundation
• Working with ‘local businesses and services’ to build our tours
• Raising the % of meals on offer, based on local cuisine and local produce
• Regular rubbish pickups at the local scenic point

RobbieMac Tours © 2020

Mobile: (0044) 07854638268 / 01955611522

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