Dunnottar Castle is a reminder that even the strongest empires eventually yield to time, yet there is a profound beauty in that decay. Whether you are a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or a traveler seeking that 'end of the world' feeling, this medieval titan on the edge of the abyss is a non-negotiable stop on any Scottish odyssey.
Europe is home to many castles, but Scotland has some of the most unique and spectacular ones, each with a fascinating history and legends to it. Scotland is a place where you can walk through history, and not just read about it.
Just south of Stonehaven on the Aberdeenshire coast, you’ll find Dunnottar Castle, perched on the edge of a cliff. It may be in ruins today, but this castle has survived Viking raids, royal scandals, and the relentless battering of the Scottish elements.
A castle made to survive
As you walk up to Dunnottar Castle, from the Scottish Gaelic Dùn Fhoithear, meaning 'fort on the shelving slope', you’ll immediately be impressed by the structure and the view. Sat atop a rock 160 feet above the North Sea, the castle is separated from the mainland by a terrifying drop and is only connected by a narrow, steep strip of land.
It’s no wonder why this spot was chosen to build a castle. To the medieval mind, it was an impregnable sanctuary; to the modern traveller, it is a masterpiece of atmospheric architecture. The castle's history dates back to the Picts, but the ruins that we see today are mainly from the 14th to 16th centuries.
The castle withstood a siege from the English
It’s not a secret that the English and the Scots were not always friendly throughout history. In the 17th century, Oliver Cromwell’s army invaded Scotland. According to history, the Honours of Scotland (the Scottish Crown Jewels) were smuggled to Dunnottar Castle.
An eight-month siege followed, but the castle withheld. According to legends, the jewels were eventually smuggled out under the skirts of a local woman or lowered down the cliffs to a "seaweed gatherer," saving the nation's treasures from being melted down.
Walk inside the castle ruins
Dunnottar Castle is open to visitors. Explore the Keep, a 14th-century tower house that is still as imposing as when it was built. Discover the drawing room, what once was a place of high-society elegance, now an open-air frame for the North Sea. Finally, the Whigs’ Vault is a sombre reminder of the castle's darker days as a 17th-century prison.
Getting to Dunnottar Castle is relatively simple. It takes 45 minutes along the coastal path from Stonehaven. As you make your way up, enjoy the breathtaking views from the cliffside. One of the best times of day to visit this spectacular castle is during the 'Golden Hour'. Admire the ruins in a gorgeous golden light as the sun slowly sets behind the horizon. As you explore, be sure to keep an eye out for local wildlife, like puffins and seals.
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