The Honours of Scotland were smuggled out of the castle by a local minister's wife and hidden beneath the floorboards of a nearby church to evade Cromwell's forces.
The site was historically the ancestral seat of the Earls Marischal, one of Scotland’s most powerful families.
A prehistoric Pictish fort was established on this same headland as early as the 4th century AD.
The castle is surrounded by cliffs that drop 160 feet vertically into the North Sea, making it naturally defensible from three sides.
The 16th-century palace range remains the best-preserved part of the site, showcasing domestic life of the nobility during that period.
In 1685, 167 Covenanters were imprisoned in the 'Whigs' Vault' within the castle, where many suffered and died for their religious beliefs.
The location served as a primary filming set for the 1990 film adaptation of Hamlet.
Dunnottar Castle is a medieval clifftop fortress perched on a dramatic headland of jagged cliffs overlooking the North Sea. The site consists of extensive 13th-century ruins, including a 14th-century keep, a 16th-century palace, and a stable block. It served as a strategic stronghold during the Wars of Scottish Independence and was the site where the Honours of Scotland (Crown Jewels) were hidden from Oliver Cromwell’s army in the 17th century. The fortress is accessible via a steep, narrow coastal path that traverses the cliffside. The ruins are characterized by their exposed, rugged architecture which has weathered centuries of coastal erosion and exposure. It remains a site of significant archaeological and historical interest due to its defensive geography and role in protecting Scottish royal symbols.
The grassy headland path looking back toward the castle ruins with the sea in the background.
Wear sturdy, waterproof walking boots as the path to the castle is steep, uneven, and can be muddy.
Carry a windbreaker or warm layer, as the coastal exposure creates significant wind chill even on sunny days.
Check the official website for weather-related closures before setting out, as the site frequently closes during high winds or severe storms.
Attempting the walk in poor footwear or during high-wind warnings, as the path becomes hazardous.
Frequently closed during severe weather or high wind conditions; check official site status before visiting.
Stick to designated paths; do not climb on the loose masonry of the ruins.
