When did the Castle of Old Wick reopen?

The Castle of Old Wick reopened recently, following masonry inspections and repairs by Historic Environment Scotland.

Who is responsible for the repairs at the Old Man of Wick?

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is responsible for the masonry inspections and repairs at the Old Man of Wick.

Where is the Castle of Old Wick located?

The Castle of Old Wick is located south of the town of Wick in Caithness, Scotland, on a rocky headland overlooking the North Sea.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Wick Castle Reopens After Vital Repairs

Wick Castle Reopens After Vital Repairs

28 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Castle of Old Wick has reopened after masonry inspections and repairs.
The landmark sits on a rocky headland extending into the North Sea.
Historic Environment Scotland performed the necessary maintenance work.

The historic Castle of Old Wick, a significant medieval landmark in Caithness, has officially reopened to the public after undergoing crucial masonry inspections and repairs. This ancient site, perched on a narrow, rocky headland that juts into the North Sea, has been a prominent feature of the local landscape for centuries.

Specialist teams from Historic Environment Scotland (HES) utilized ropes and scaffolding to meticulously examine the stonework by hand in October. This work is part of HES's extensive national program aimed at assessing the condition, construction, and environmental impact on its entire estate to guide future preservation efforts and ensure visitor safety.

While tradition links its origins to the 12th century, the surviving structure is believed to date from the 14th century or later. Sian Evans of HES highlighted its importance as one of Caithness's most striking medieval sites. The Castle of Old Wick is now accessible to visitors throughout the year.