Scottish aristocrat dies after fall on rocks near castle ruins

Lord Strathnaver of Clan Sutherland died after a fall at Thurso Castle on Saturday night.

Scottish aristocrat Lord Strathnaver of Dunrobin Estate dies after fall on rocks near Thurso Castle — Lord Strathnaver of Clan Sutherland, whose family seat is Dunrobin Castle, was found dead on Saturday night. Google Maps

5th Sep 2022

A Scottish aristocrat has died after falling onto rocks near Thurso Castle in the Highlands.

Lord Strathnaver, Alexander Sutherland, was found at the bottom of 30ft cliffs at Thurso East, near the ruined 19th century castle in Caithness.

Thurso Lifeboat was launched at 11.30pm on Saturday to reports of a person on the rocks.

It quickly made its way to the area and trained crew members gave CPR and assisted the Scottish Ambulance Service and local Coastguard with the situation until Police Scotland took control.

The 40-year-old Scottish aristocrat was the son of the Earl of Sutherland of Clan Sutherland, whose family seat is at Dunrobin Castle.

A statement by Golspie Community Council said news of the tragedy had left the entire community “shocked”.

It stated: “The whole community is shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic loss of Alexander Sutherland.

“On behalf of the community, Golspie Community Council extends our deepest condolences to Alexander’s family, his many friends and all who loved him.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We were made aware of concern for a 40-year-old man near to Thurso Castle shortly after 11.20pm on Saturday, September 4.

“Emergency services attended but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

“His death is being treated as unexplained and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”