Dornoch Castle

Dornoch Castle was built around 1500 as the home of the bishops of Caithness. In 1570 the castle was set alight in a feud between the McKays and Murrays. The rebuilding which followed included the addition of the upper part of the tower. The castle decayed during the 18th century, but was restored between 1813 and 1814. In the first half of the 19th century, court hearings were held in a room in the tower of castle, accessed by a spiral staircase, until Dornoch Sheriff Court was erected further to the east along Castle Street in 1850. Further alterations were made around 1880, including the heightening of the south-west block, and the addition of a three-storey east tower. Facilities…