Earl of Caithness

Earldom of Caithness
Creation datec. 1334
PeeragePeerage of Scotland
First holderMaol Íosa V, Earl of Strathearn
Present holderMalcolm Sinclair, 20th Earl of Caithness
Heir apparentJames Richard Sinclair, Lord Berriedale
Remainder toheirs general of the body of the grantee
Subsidiary titlesLord Berriedale
Seat(s)London
Former seat(s)Castle Sinclair Girnigoe

Earl of Caithness is a title that has been created several times in the Peerage of Scotland, and it has a very complex history. Its first grant, in the modern sense as to have been counted in strict lists of peerages, is now generally held to have taken place in favor of Maol Íosa V, Earl of Strathearn, in 1334, although in the true circumstances of 14th century, this presumably was just a recognition of his hereditary right to the ancient earldom/mormaership of Caithness. The next year, however, all of his titles were declared forfeit for treason.