Dunnottar Castle

Just under 1.5mi/2.4km south of Stonehaven stands Dunnottar Castle. The dramatic ruins were chosen by Franco Zeffirelli for his film of "Hamlet". The imposing castle is surrounded on three sides by water and sheltered on the land side by a gap in the cliffs. The L-shaped belfry dating from the 14th century is well preserved. The prefix "dun" indicates that the site was used by the Picts. The massive gatehouse and the four-winged palace with a completely restored drawing room and chapel give at least an idea of the original size of the fortress, which was for many years reckoned to be impregnable. During 1685 the infamous Whig's Vault was used to incarcerate 167 Covenanters, including 45 women, for two months. The bakery, the stables and the vaulting in the kitchen are also of interest. One of the most important events in Scottish history took place here in 1652. While the castle was under siege by Cromwell's army, the royal regalia of Scotland were smuggled out by the wife of the priest of Kinneff (6.5mi/10.4km to the south). A monument records her part in this heroic event.