Sinclair’s Bay and Wick in the War

Welcome to Caithness At War, the exploration trail based in and around Wick and Sinclair’s Bay, areas of high activity and importance during World War II.  

As well as regular operations, RAF Wick and RAF Skitten were both used for top secret, covert missions of national importance, playing their part in winning the War.  

At the same time, the beaches of Sinclair’s Bay were the highest at risk areas in Britain of German invasion. Because of its proximity to Scapa Flow, Britain’s most important naval anchorage, North Scotland was in the enemy’s sights. There was lots going on and which has left us with many stories to tell.

Explore the trail by walking, driving or more likely a mixture of both.  Visit and explore places of historial importance used in the defence of Britain and its allied countries.  Learn about acts of daring, sabotage and heroism.

You can download the Caithness at War leaflet to view or print when exploring the trails and refer back here to study the areas at your leisure.

Take a step back over 80 years in time and enjoy the trail, and, if you’re a visitor to our wonderful County, enjoy your stay in Caithness.

Lockheed Hudson Mark V, AM853 'OY-K', of No 48 Squadron RAF based at Wick, Caithness, Scotland, in flight along the coast, early 1942. Courtesey Imperial War Museum.
Lockheed Hudson Mark V, of No 48 Squadron RAF based at Wick, Caithness, in flight along the coast, 1942.

We’d love to hear your Caithness At War story.  Got something to share?  We’d love to hear it.  Get in touch on our Contact Us page.