Dunnottar Castle: Most Spectacular Castle of Scotland Dunnottar Castle is a ruined medieval fortress located upon a rocky headland on the north-east coast of Scotland, about 3 kilometres south of Stonehaven. The surviving buildings are largely of the 15th and 16th centuries, but the site is believed to have been fortified in the Early Middle Ages. Without a doubt, Dunnottar Castle has the most spectacular surroundings of any castle in Scotland. But the castles not just an artists dream. Dunnottar (from the Scots Gaelic Dun Fhoithear, meaning fort on the falling slope) has played a central role in some pivotal moments of Scottish history. Dunnottar has an incredible combination of good looks and historical importance - and frequently blows away visitors travelling to Scotland on vacation. Dunnottar has played a prominent role in the history of Scotland through to the 18th-century Jacobite risings because of its strategic location and defensive strength. Dunnottar is best known as the place where the Honours of Scotland, the Scottish crown jewels, were hidden from Oliver Cromwells invading army in the 17th century. The castle was restored in the 20th century and is now open to the public. The ruins of the castle are spread over 1.4 hectares (3.5 acres), surrounded by steep cliffs that drop to the North Sea, 50 metres (160 ft) below. A narrow strip of land joins the headland to the mainland, along which a steep path leads up to the gatehouse. The various buildings within the castle include the 14th-century tower house as well as the 16th-century palace. Dunnottar Castle is a scheduled monument, and twelve structures on the site are listed buildings.
Posted on: Sat, 10 Jan 2015 07:50:42 +0000
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