Cubbie Roo's Castle
Orkney Islands, Scotland
Key facts
- Operator
- Historic Environment Scotland
- Condition
- Ruin
- Access
- Free, open access
- Nearest station
- Thurso, 41.6 miles (straight-line)
Pinpoint
Orkney KW17 2QA
Reckoned to be Scotland's earliest stone castle, reduced now to low foundations on the small island of Wyre in Orkney. There's little of the structure left to see, but the fact of its age carries the visit - information boards on site fill in what the stonework can't.
Worth the trip
The sheer age of it - as the earliest stone castle in Scotland, what little survives is more significant historically than its scale would suggest.
Before you go
Don't expect much beyond the foundations; reviewers note the island's other amenities amount to little more than a toilet, so this is a short stop for the historically curious rather than a half-day out.
With only a handful of brief reviews on file, Cubbie Roo's Castle comes across as a small, mostly ruined site - two reviewers specifically note there's not much left standing - but there are information boards explaining its history. One visitor mentions it's on a small island with little else nearby besides a toilet. Ratings are positive overall, but the reviews suggest this is a quick stop rather than an extended visit.
Scotland's earliest stone castle, on island of Wyre
“Good but nothing much else on the small island except the loo luckily”- Jeff Crouch, visitor review
Common questions about Cubbie Roo's Castle
Where is Cubbie Roo's Castle?
Cubbie Roo's Castle is in Orkney Islands, Scotland, at Orkney KW17 2QA.
Is Cubbie Roo's Castle free to visit?
Yes - Cubbie Roo's Castle is a free, open-access site with no ticket booth, looked after by Historic Environment Scotland. There may still be a charge for nearby parking, and open-access arrangements can change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel.
What is the highlight of visiting Cubbie Roo's Castle?
The sheer age of it - as the earliest stone castle in Scotland, what little survives is more significant historically than its scale would suggest.
Is Cubbie Roo's Castle a ruin or still intact?
Cubbie Roo's Castle is a ruin - Scotland's earliest stone castle, on island of Wyre.
