Dunnottar Castle

Dunnottar Castle Photo - Eduardo Unda - Wikipedia - lic. under CC BY 2.0

Castle Facts:

Location: Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
Built: 16th century.
Condition: Ruined.
Ownership / Access: Dunecht Estates.
Opening times: Check their website for more info.
Price of Admission: Check their website for more info.
Notes: Dunnottar Castle is a ruined medieval fortress located upon a rocky headland on the north-east coast of Scotland, about 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) south of Stonehaven. The surviving buildings are largely of the 15th and 16th centuries, but the site is believed to have been fortified in the Early Middle Ages. Dunnottar has played a prominent role in the history of Scotland through to the 18th-century Jacobite risings because of its strategic location and defensive strength. Dunnottar is best known as the place where the Honours of Scotland, the Scottish crown jewels, were hidden from Oliver Cromwell's invading army in the 17th century. The property of the Keiths from the 14th century, and the seat of the Earl Marischal, Dunnottar declined after the last Earl forfeited his titles by taking part in the Jacobite rebellion of 1715. The castle was restored in the 20th century and is now open to the public. The ruins of the castle are spread over 1.4 hectares (3.5 acres), surrounded by steep cliffs that drop to the North Sea, 50 metres (160 ft) below. A narrow strip of land joins the headland to the mainland, along which a steep path leads up to the gatehouse. The various buildings within the castle include the 14th-century tower house as well as the 16th-century palace. Dunnottar Castle is a scheduled monument, and twelve structures on the site are listed buildings.

How To Get To Dunnottar Castle (Map):

Dunnottar Castle Links:

Dunnottar Castle On Wikipedia
Dunnottar Castle homepage
Dunecht Estates homepage
Ghosts, History, Photographs and Paintings of Dunnottar Castle from Aboutaberdeen.com
Engraving of Dunottar in 1693 by John Slezer at National Library of Scotland