Dunnottar Castle

Dùn Fhoithear, "fort on the shelving slope" is a ruined medieval fortress located upon a rocky headland on the north-east coast of Scotland approximately 2 miles south of Stonehaven. Although the site is believed to have been fortified since the Early Middle Ages the surviving buildings are largely 15th and 16th century,

Because of its strategic location Dunnottar has played a prominent role in the history of Scotland and is best known as the place where the Honours of Scotland, the Scottish Crown Jewels, were hidden from Oliver Cromwell's invading army in the 17th century.

The property of the Keiths from the 14th century, and the seat of the Earl Marischal, Dunnottar fell into a state of disrepair after the last Earl forfeited his titles by taking part in the Jacobite rebellion of 1715.

The ruins of the castle are spread over 3.5 acres surrounded by steep cliffs that drop a sheer 160 ft into the North Sea and is joined to the headland by a narrow strip of land along which a steep path leads up to the gatehouse. The buildings within the castle include the 14th-century tower house and a 16th century palace.

The castle was restored in the 20th century and is now open to the public.