Dunnottar Castle

Scottish Castles > Dunnottar Castle

It was originally a Pictish fortress, and Dunnottar later became home to one of the most powerful families in the country, the Earls Marischal.

It was constructed in 1392 by Sir William Keith, Great Marischal of Scotland. Between 1580 and 1650 the Marischals converted the castle, with a range of buildings around the north east top of the rock

Dunnottar Castle has been prominent in Scottish History. It was held by the English in 1297, and recaptured by William Wallace, who reputedly burned the English garrison of 4,000 soldiers alive inside the church.

But the most valiant story is perhaps that a small garrison defended the Castle and held out against the powerful Oliver Cromwell's army for eight months before finally falling. Cromwell’s forces had laid siege to the Castle in 1651, in a bid to capture the Scottish Regalia.

The story goes that the defenders of the castle managed to lower the crown jewels down the cliffs to a local woman, Anne Lindsay, who smuggled them through enemy lines under her petticoats. The Crown, Sceptre and Sword now have pride of place in Edinburgh Castle.

In it’s day the Castle has been host to many notable guests including Charles II, Mary Queen of Scots and of course William Wallace.

The castle was abandoned in 1715 when the last Earl Marischal was convicted of treason and executed for his part in the Jacobite Rising. His estates were seized by the government, including Dunnottar Castle.




The buildings were more or less neglected until the 1st Viscountess Cowdray set about repairing the Castle in 1925. Eleven different buildings comprise Dunnottar, with the most dominant being the L-plan Tower House, or Keep. Other buildings include lodgings, barracks and stables.

Like most castles, there are tales of ghosts. One story is that of the Green Lady. It's been said that her spirit has been seen in the brewery at the castle, looking for her lost children. Apparently her family are Picts from the 5th century who converted from her religion to Christianity.

The Castle also found cinematic fame after being used as the location for the 1990 film version of Hamlet starring Mel Gibson.

The name Dunnottar is derived from the Old Scot words Dun O Tir which means Fort in the Highland Low Country. The spectacular scenery around Dunnottar Castle will provide you with an unforgettable experience, and during sunrise or sunset it can be simply magical.

Information

To make the most of your visit you should allow at least two hours.

There is a Car park where you can leave the car and walk to the Castle, but a flight of steep steps means disabled access is not easy. The ruins are spread over three acres, and surrounded by sheer cliffs with a 50 metre drop to the North Sea below. The Castle is now run by the National Trust for Scotland and attracts over 40,000 visitors every year.

Opening Times

Friday to Monday 10.30am-sunset, until 1st April, and from 18th October 2010 - 21st April 2011

Monday to Sunday 9am-6pm, from 2nd April-17th October

Admission Charges

Adults: £5
Children under 16: £1

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