Slains Castle is a ruined castle near Cruden Bay in the Grampian region of Scotland, overlooking the North Sea.
Perched atop tall sea-facing cliffs, Slains Castle was constructed around an existing tower house in 1597 by the 9th Earl of Erroll. Significant reconstruction has been carried out on it a number of times, lastly in 1837. The castle was sold in 1916 and fell into disrepair in the first quarter of the 20th century after over 300 years of occupation by the Errolls. Its roof was removed in 1925.
The ruin of a second, older 13th century castle of the same name lies about 6 miles to the south. The older castle, also a family seat of the Errolls, was blown up by James VI as a punishment for their part the 1597 plot of the Earl of Huntly against him.
In the late 19th century, the 19th Earl of Errol entertained many celebrities at the castle. It is believed to be Bram Stoker's inspiration for the castle of Count Dracula.
Last updated: 10-12-2005 07:06:26
