Dunnottar Castle - copyright of Scottish Viewpoint
A visit to Dunnottar Castle near Stonehaven in Scotland is an experience that is truly unforgettable. This evocative ruined fortress is located atop a dramatic cliff top in an absolutely stunning setting.
Before turning into a fortress, Dunnottar Castle was also known as a Christian site wich housed one of the first churches in Scotland. The castle, which played a very important historic role due to it's strategic location, watching over shipping lanes to the North of Scotland is perched 50 metres above the North Sea atop sheer cliffs.
Dunnottar Castle -Copyright by G.Piezinger.
One of the most interesting parts today is a tower house which was constructed around the end of the 14th century by the Earl Marischal of Scotland. In the 17th century the scottish crown jewels were brought to Dunnottar castle to hide them from the attacks of Oliver Cromwell. After the last Earl Marischal was sentenced in 1715 during the Jacobian rising. All of his property was taken away by the government, including Dunnottar Castle. In the meantime the castle was lying more or less in ruins until 1925, when a plan was set up to restore the castle. It was also the location for the filming of some scenes of the 1990 movie "Hamlet" starring Glenn close and Mel Gibson.
