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Old Slains Castle: Ruins of a 13th-Century Scottish Fortress

Explore the haunting coastal ruins of Old Slains Castle, a 13th-century fortress steeped in rebellion and Scottish history.

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Old Slains Castle, located near Collieston in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, is the atmospheric ruin of a 13th-century fortress once owned by the Comyn family and later the Earls of Erroll. Destroyed in 1594 by order of King James VI due to the owners' involvement in a Catholic rebellion, only fragments of the original stronghold remain today. The site offers a glimpse into turbulent Scottish history and stands as a scheduled ancient monument overlooking the North Sea.

A brief summary to Old Slains Castle (Not Dracula castle)

  • Ellon, Collieston, AB41 8ST, GB
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 3 out of 5

Local tips

  • Stay on designated paths and keep a safe distance from cliff edges to avoid accidents.
  • Wear sturdy footwear suitable for uneven terrain and rocky surfaces around the ruins.
  • Bring a camera to capture the dramatic coastal views and atmospheric remains.
  • Visit during daylight hours for the best visibility and safety.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Driving from Aberdeen to Old Slains Castle takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes. The route follows the A90 and A975 roads. Parking is limited near the site, so plan to park in Collieston village and walk the final stretch on uneven terrain. No parking fees apply.

  • Bus

    Local bus services run from Aberdeen to Ellon, with connections to Collieston. From Collieston, a 20-minute walk on rural paths leads to the castle ruins. Bus frequency varies, with fewer services on weekends. A single fare costs around £5.

  • Walking

    For active visitors, a scenic 2-hour hike from Collieston to Old Slains Castle follows coastal trails with some steep and rocky sections. Suitable for those with good fitness and sturdy footwear. No special permits required.

Old Slains Castle (Not Dracula castle) location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
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  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Windy Conditions
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Old Slains Castle (Not Dracula castle)

Medieval Origins and Early Ownership

Old Slains Castle was originally constructed in the 13th century as a formidable oblong keep by the Comyn family, Earls of Buchan. This medieval fortress was strategically located near the coast to command views over the North Sea. Following the forfeiture of the Comyns in the 14th century, Robert the Bruce granted the castle to Sir Gilbert Hay in recognition of his support during the Wars of Scottish Independence. The castle thereafter remained in the Hay family, who became the Earls of Erroll, for several centuries.

Rebellion and Destruction in the Late 16th Century

The castle’s most dramatic chapter unfolded in the late 1500s when Francis Hay, the 9th Earl of Erroll, took part in a Catholic rebellion against King James VI. In 1594, after the rebellion culminated in the Battle of Glenlivet and was suppressed, James VI ordered the demolition of Old Slains Castle as punishment. The castle was destroyed by gunpowder and cannon fire, leaving only two walls meeting at a corner intact. Aberdeen’s town council supplied the gunpowder and laborers for the demolition, marking the violent end of the original stronghold.

Architectural Features and Remnants

Originally a five-storey keep, the castle had a defensive wall added on the landward side in the early 16th century. Today, only small parts of these structures survive, including remnants of the walls and basement kitchen works with firepits and storage spaces. The ruins reveal a blend of masonry styles, from medieval red brick to mortared granite and sandstone. In the 1950s, a three-storey house was built within the ruins adjoining an 18th-century fishing cottage, integrating later architectural elements into the historic site.

Historical Significance and Archaeology

Old Slains Castle is a scheduled ancient monument, reflecting its importance in Scotland’s turbulent history of clan conflicts and royal power struggles. Archaeological excavations have been conducted intermittently since 1991, with the latest in 2007, uncovering insights into the castle’s layout and usage. The site’s dramatic cliff-top setting and surviving ruins evoke the legacy of the Earls of Erroll and their complex political allegiances during the Reformation and beyond.

Connection to Bram Stoker and Cultural Legacy

While the ruined Old Slains Castle itself is not directly linked to Bram Stoker’s Dracula, its successor, New Slains Castle, nearby is often cited as an inspiration for the novel’s vampire castle. Old Slains’ dramatic coastal location and evocative ruins contribute to the region’s rich heritage and allure for visitors interested in Scotland’s medieval past and literary associations.

Visiting and Preservation

The site is open to the public with no formal opening hours, but visitors should exercise caution near the cliff edges and avoid climbing on unstable structures. Its remote and rugged setting offers a tranquil yet haunting atmosphere, ideal for those fascinated by history, architecture, and natural coastal landscapes. Preservation efforts continue to maintain the ruins as a protected cultural landmark in Aberdeenshire.

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