Dracula's Castle

Perched right on the edge of the land above spectacular cliffs Old Slains Castle is now most closely associated with Bram Stoker's Dracula - the octagonal room in Slains was probably the inspiration for the windowless octagonal room which features in Dracula.

Stoker frequently holidayed in nearby Cruden Bay during the 1890s and was familiar with the castle and it's spectacular location. 

The castle dates from the early 1600s when it replaced Old Slains  and  was the seat of the Jacobite Earls of Erroll. Several Jacobite plots were hatched here.

Over the centuries the castle has been extensively enlarged and was finally remodelled in  the Scots Baronial style. Early in the 20th century, when the 20th Earl of Erroll was facing financial difficulties, it was rented out as a very superior holiday home. Guests included Robert Baden Powell,  Asquith  and Churchill. It was sold to a demolition company in 1925 - the roof was removed so that the lead could be sold and various features were removed. Grandiose plans to convert the castle into apartments failed to materialise.