(Image courtesy of CastlesFortsBattles.co.uk)
The red stone ruins perch precariously on steep cliffs, watching over the chilly North Sea crashing upon the rocks below. To the south and east is the grey sea, and to the north is a deep sea ravine separating the castle from the mainland. Given this windswept and isolated setting, it's hardly surprising that Slains Castle has become known as an eerie spot. In fact, the castle is said to have inspired Bram Stoker, who regularly vacationed nearby, and become the model for Dracula's infamous fortress.
(Image courtesy of CastlesFortsBattles.co.uk)
Though Slains is now a collection of overgrown ruins, the building's story goes back over 400 years as a grand castle and manor house near Cruden Bay, Scotland. Built in 1597 by Francis Hay, the Ninth Earl of Erroll, the castle, also known as New Slains Castle, began as an old tower house and was extended to replace the original Slains Castle destroyed in 1594. The building's main features include a four-storey rectangular tower with a round turret and a central courtyard surrounded by further wings.
Slains has seen many changes over the years, with significant additions made in 1664 and 1707 and nearly a complete remodeling in 1836-37 in the Tudor style. Though the land and castle has long been associated with the Hay family, financial troubles finally forced the 20th Earl of Erroll to sell Slains in 1916. It soon fell into disrepair, and the roof was removed in 1925. Luckily, both plans for demolition and rumoured designs to turn the building into a holiday apartment complex seem to have come to nothing so far. Overgrown and crumbling it may be, but as of yet Slains Castle remains standing and waiting to tell its many tales.
If you're thinking of visiting, keep in mind that the ruins aren't maintained or equipped with directions for visitors. In other words, you're on your own to explore among the storied remains. Just keep an eye out for ghosts.
(Image courtesy of Undiscovered Scotland)
(Image courtesy of Canmore)
(Image courtesy of CastlesFortsBattles.co.uk)
Learn more:
Historic Environment Scotland (Old Slains)
Historic Environment Scotland (New Slains)
The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley (highly recommended for historical fiction fans)