Rare Old OS Map of Caithness District by Bartholomew, 1901: Thurso, Wick, Dunnet Head, Loch Watten, Morven, Castle of Mey

Sheet 27 - Caithness District, crafted by the esteemed J.G. Bartholomew in 1901, stands as a testament to the golden age of cartography. This half-inch to the mile scale map (1:126,720) captures the essence of the Caithness District in Scotland with unparalleled clarity and detail. Bartholomew's innovative use of colour gradation to depict landscape relief transforms this map into both a practical tool and a work of art. The subtle layers of colour vividly represent the varying elevations, making the physical geography of the region come alive for cyclists, tourists, and map enthusiasts alike.

J.G. Bartholomew, often hailed as the 'Prince of Cartographers,' brought a unique blend of artistry and scientific precision to his maps. His work on this map is no exception, reflecting his dedication to accuracy and aesthetic appeal. The map is based on a reduced Ordnance Survey map from the same period, showcasing Bartholomew's ability to distill vast amounts of information into a format that is both accessible and visually engaging. His maps were not just tools for navigation but also educational resources that provided a deeper understanding of the world's geography.

The Caithness District map is rich with historical and geographical features that tell the story of this unique region. The map meticulously details the lochs and lakes, such as Loch Watten, Loch More, and Loch Calder, which are integral to the district's landscape. The rivers, including the River Thurso and River Wick, weave through the terrain, highlighting the natural waterways that have shaped the region's history and development. The coastal features, like Dunnet Head and Duncansby Head, mark the northernmost points of mainland Britain, adding a sense of adventure and exploration to the map.

This map also captures the rugged beauty of the Caithness hills and mountains, with notable peaks like Morven and Scaraben standing prominently. These natural landmarks not only define the physical landscape but also hold cultural and historical significance for the local communities. The inclusion of historical landmarks, such as the Castle of Mey and Old Wick Castle, further enriches the map, offering glimpses into the region's storied past. These castles and ancient sites are reminders of the area's strategic importance and rich heritage.

In addition to its natural and historical features, the map provides a detailed view of the human settlements that dot the Caithness District. Towns like Thurso, Wick, and John o' Groats are marked with precision, reflecting their importance as centers of local life and commerce. Each settlement, from bustling towns to quaint villages, is depicted with care, providing a snapshot of the region's social and economic landscape at the turn of the 20th century. This map is not just a geographical representation but a window into the life and times of the Caithness District, making it a valuable addition to any collection.

Cities and towns on this map

• Thurso
• Wick
• Halkirk
• Castletown
• Lybster
• Watten
• Reay
• John o' Groats
• Dunnet
• Keiss
• Bower
• Canisbay
• Mey

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Lochs and Lakes:
• Loch Watten
• Loch More
• Loch Calder
• Loch Scarmclate
• Loch Heilen
• Loch of Yarrows
• Loch of Wester
• Loch of Toftingall

• Loch of Durran

• Rivers:

• River Thurso
• River Wick
• River Forss

• River Halladale

• Mountains and Hills:

• Morven
• Scaraben

• Ben Alisky

• Coastal Features:

• Dunnet Head
• Duncansby Head

• Sinclair's Bay

• Historical Landmarks:

• Castle of Mey
• Dunnet Church
• Old Wick Castle
• Sinclair Girnigoe Castle

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Sheet 27 - Caithness District
• Scale and usage:
• A clear, attractive, and colourful map at the half-inch to the mile scale (1:126,720).
• These maps were popular with cyclists and tourists, and became Bartholomew's flagship series.
• Creation date: 1901
• Mapmaker/Publisher: J.G. Bartholomew
• Interesting context: J.G. Bartholomew was a renowned Scottish cartographer known for his innovative use of colour in maps.
• Topics and themes:
• Detailed political and physical map.
• Uses different layers of colour to represent landscape relief, with a subtle and innovative gradation of colour bands to show land at different heights.
• Base map: The map is based on a reduced Ordnance Survey map from the same period.
• Coverage area:
• Landscape map covering 36 miles from north to south and 52 miles from west to east.
• Countries and regions shown:
• The map covers the Caithness District in Scotland.
• Design/style:
• The map's design is distinctive for its use of colour to represent different elevations, making the physical landscape easily understandable.
• The style is both informative and visually appealing, catering to both practical navigation and aesthetic appreciation.
• Historical significance:
• Reflects the cartographic advancements of the early 20th century.
• Provides historical insight into the geography and political boundaries of the Caithness District at the time.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 20in (50cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.