Slain's Castle is an imposing ruin fronting directly onto south facing cliffs to the east of Cruden Bay. I should however mention that because of some local knowledge I know that this is not the only Slain's Castle on the coastline. There are the remnants of the "original" Slain's just to the north east of Collieston, which was built in the 1200s but was destroyed by King James VI because of the questionable loyalties of the Earl of Errol in approx 1594. After returning from exile in 1597 the then Earl of Erroll made amends with the King and rebuilt his fortress. However this time he used the tower at Bowness as the foundation of the ...  Read the complete review

When the Great North of Scotland Railway ran to Cruden Bay, some 25 miles north of Aberdeen, the village was known as the Brighton of the North. An 82-bedroomed hotel was built, and a golf course developed, for the enjoyment and relaxation of the gentlefolk of that era. And among the many visitors to enjoy the extensive sands of the bay, and the spectacular cliff scenery to the north and south, was one Bram Stoker. And on an evening visit to the awesome Slains Castle, with a storm brewing and the full force of the cruel North Sea thundering against its foundations and pummelling its eastern walls, Count Dracula was conceived . . . But there’s nothing ...  Read the complete review