[1] The name Murkle derives from the name Morthill, meaning Field of Death, so called because it was the site of a battle with the Danes in the early medieval period.

[2] Members of Clan Sinclair associated with Murkle are as follows:[3] The original estate of Murkle, as possessed by James Sinclair, his wife Elizabeth Stewart, and their son, Sir James, was acquired at various times between 1586 and 1637, from four main sources: George, fifth Earl of Caithness; his son William, Lord Berriedale; the Bishops of Orkney and Caithness; and the Earls of Sutherland.

In the eighteenth century, the family also acquired Isauld (1723) and Brubster and Brims (1726–27).

[4] It is said that a mermaid once fell in love with a local fisherman, who to this day holds him captive in a nearby loch.

[5] It is also said in the 9th chapter of the Orkneyinga saga that "Ragnhilda, king Eric's daughter" had a husband called Arnfinn, the fifth son of Thorfinn the Earl.