Dunnottar Castle, Scotland

The day my friends and I visited Dunnottar castle started out foggy and rainy, typical Scottish weather. By the time we reached the castle, thankfully, the rain had stopped. But it was very windy, cold and cloudy when we got out of the car. Extra layers of clothing were necessary, but it was the perfect atmosphere to explore this amazing, unbelievable place. We walked down the 2600 feet long trail which includes extensive stairs. This access path is narrow and I can see how this would make the fortress easier to defend during times of conflict.

Dunnottar is in a very dramatic location on a cliff that juts out into the North Sea, about two miles from Stonehaven. And about two hours drive north of Edinburgh. The approach to the castle provides some stunning views of the castle and the sea.

The name Dunnottar comes from Scottish Gaelic, and/or Pictish language. Dun means a hill fort, fortress or castle. This fortress held an important place in many of Scotland's historic events and saw a lot of conflict over the centuries.

This part of the castle (above) overlooks the main entrance where soldiers would’ve used these arrow slits and gun loops to defend the fortress from invaders.

Above is another part of the entrance. The round rocks in these steps are very slippery when wet. The rail is definitely necessary.

The eleven buildings which currently comprise Dunnottar were built from the 1200s to the 1600s.

Storehouse and the taller Towerhouse or Keep.

The castle and the area around it were used from Pictish times, before recorded history. It was first mentioned in 681, in the Annals of Ulster, because of a battle which took place here. It is believed the Picts revered the site and felt it was important and sacred to their religion, similar to Druidism. To them, the site represented a strong feminine nature symbol. The Picts converted to Christianity around the 5th century when St. Ninian chose Dunnottar as a site for one of his churches.

Another battle was recorded here in 900. In this one Danish Viking invaders launched an attack against King Donald II, who was killed. The Vikings won the battle and seized the castle. In 934 King Aethelstan of Wessex launched an attack on Dunnottar. A poet named Blind Harry reported in the 15th century that Dunnottar was the site where William Wallace trapped and burned a garrison of English soldiers who were hiding in the castle church in 1296 resulting in the Scots defeating the English.

View out a window in the Keep.

Straight ahead is the Tower House or Keep and to the left is the Storehouse.

In the 1300s the English gained control of Dunnottar. But by the close of that century, Scotland (and Clan Keith) had control of the castle. The Keith chiefs were the Earls Marischal, holders of an important Scottish office. Sir William Keith was the 1st Earl Marischal. He built the Tower House or Keep which is the first visible structure as you approach the castle. (The below picture was taken inside.) The Earl Marischal had an important responsibility of keeping the king safe in parliament.

Above is the view, looking out one of the castle windows, of the beach far below. I'll share more Dunnottar photos and history in a future post.

Thanks!
Vonda

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