Dunnottar Castle

On Saturday the 14th, we journeyed down to Stonehaven and Dunnottar Castle. Stonehaven is about 15-20 minute drive south of Aberdeen right on the coast. The castle is about 2 miles from Stonehaven, and you can get there by car or walking along the cliff edges and through some fields.

Of course, we choose the walk. Along the way, we stopped at the Stonehaven War Memorial, which was set up to remember those from the Stonehaven district who died during WWI and to which the names of the dead of WWII were added.

Although the castle is now ruins, one can imagine the beauty and size of the castle. It sits on a massive rock that sticks out into the sea. The only way to the castle is down a very step hill and then right back up. It is hard to describe and the pictures certainly do not do justice to the amazing size and beauty of the rock the castle sits on.


The first mention of the area is in the 400s when the area was used as a base for (later) St. Ninian's mission to the Scots. A chapel was built in the 13th century, but it did not last long. It was destroyed by William Wallace, who burned it down with the English soldiers inside. For the next 100 years or so, the Scots and English would trade it back and forth depending on who had the most control over the land.
This is not a typical castle with high walls and defenses because it was not necessary. The wall blocks the only entrance to the castle grounds so one only had to fortify this small area.

The Keep was built in the 14th century by the Sir William Keith.

After the family became to large for the Keep, the other buildings were added beginning in the 16th century. The West, North and East Ranges contained rooms for guests and the family, a kitchen, a dining room and a long gallery. The castle must have been amazing during the 16-17 centuries. It is too bad that the weather has done so much damage to it.

Three other interesting facts about the castle. First, it was used in the movie Hamlet starring Mel Gibson. Second, the Scottish royal jewels were protected from Oliver Cromwell and his soldiers at the castle (1652). The jewels were eventually smuggled out of the castle, although no one is exactly sure how.

Third, in 1685 a group known as the Covenanters were kept here because they refused to say that the king had authority over the church and to accept the new prayer book. 167 men and women were housed in a relatively small room for over 2 months. Some acknowledged the kings authority, while others tried to escape. Most were put on a boat and shipped to the West Indies. Only 35 survived the journey.

This group's history is marked with persecution, sadness and yet joy. Their willingness to stand for Christ and his gospel in the face of persecution and certain death serves as a remarkable example to each of us. May the Lord grant to us the same resolution and confidence in his grace.

Crathes Castle

Well, we finally got out of town again, so we have something to write about. Most of our days are the same routine, so writing about them is boring for both you and us. But after a week of rain, this last Sat we decided to venture out to Crathes Castle, about 45 min by bus. The Castle is a 16th century tower house. The side part was added in 1970s to replace an 18th century three story addition that burned in 1966.

The land was rewarded to the Burnett family in 1323 by Robert the Bruce because of their service in the wars for independence. The castle contained several original pieces of furniture, including a bed dated 1594. Because it is the winter season, we had a guided tour, which gave some good details about the castle. It was too rushed, though, since we are only able to spend about 5 minutes in each room. Plus, we couldn't take any pictures inside. They said it was security reasons, but I think they just wanted more people to buy the guidebooks.

The gardens were not in bloom, but they were still neat. Some of the yew hedges were planted in 1702. The first picture overlooks part of the gardens from the top window of the castle. The second picture shows how tall some of the hedges are.

Scotland Coast

Last Sat. some friends took us about 30 miles north to the coast. On the way up we stopped at Fyvie Castle. We could not go inside because the castle is closed during the winter. The castle dates back to the 13th century. The five towers were built for each of the major families that owned the castle.


How about that for a front door?

From there we traveled up to the coast and stopped at a couple of sea-side towns. These towns, Gardenstown and Pennan, are built right on the North Sea at the base of the cliffs. The roads are very steep and narrow. We met another car on the road and almost exchanged paint colors.

Around the corner from Gardenstown is Crovie. One can only walk between the two when the tide is low. The inhabitants of Crovie have to park their cars at one end of the town and walk to the other end if they live there.

Pennan, which is completely hidden as one drives towards it, is a single row of small houses, probably about 20 houses. We enjoyed lunch at the Pennan Inn, which is the main attraction of the town. The town draws tourists because the British movie Local Hero was filmed there. We even saw someone surfing that day.

From there we drove through the countryside to the east coast. Here we stopped at Bullers of Buchan. The high cliffs were amazing, although slightly scary. No handrails, muddy paths, and a strong wind: all this makes looking over the edge fun. If the pictures look blurry, that tells you how strong the wind was. We couldn't even stand still. Pictures just don't do justice to the beauty and steepness of the cliffs.

Located about 3 miles away is Slains Castle, which Bram Stroker used as inspiration for Dracula. Although the castle lies in ruins now, it was fun wandering around trying to imagine what it looked like in its glory. The castle sits right on the edge of the cliffs overlooking the North Sea. It is an amazing view.