Dunnottar Castle Scotland

DUNNOTTAR CASTLE in SCOTLAND sits upon a large rock 160 feet above the sea castle dates back to the 13th cent likely occupied long before that, with enormous flat-topped rock with sheer cliffs on three sides. This site was chosen in PICTISH times as place of strength and by Saint NINIAN as a place of retreat.

DUNNOTTAR is more than a topographical curiosity since this rock and the buildings on it have reflected in miniature much of the rich and tragic story of Scottish history, William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots and the Marquis of Montrose have all graced the Castle with their presence. Most famously though it was at the castle that a small garrison held out against the might of Cromwell's army for eight months, and saved the Scottish Crown Jewels the 'HONOURS of SCOTLAND, from destruction, keep dates from the 15th century.

DUNNOTTAR Castle was the home of the Earls MARISCAL of Scotland, once one of the most powerful families in the land, the Earl oversaw all ceremonial activities in the Scottish Court, including the coronations. He was also responsible for the security of the Scottish Crown Jewels, known as the 'HONOURS of Scotland'. The story of how a small garrison in the castle saved the HONOURS of Scotland from certain destruction is one of the most captivating in Scottish history.

The dominant building viewed is the 14th century Keep or Tower House a little battered by Cromwell's cannons but still intact, this is just one of the eleven different buildings which comprise the Castle which also includes barracks, lodgings, stables and storehouses.

DUNNOTTAR is that of the 'Whig's Vault'. this gloomy airless cellar where in 1685 a body of Covenanting prisoners 122 men and 45 women, were held without food or sanitation from 24 May to the end of July. Their crime was that they had refused to acknowledge the King's supremacy in spiritual matters, twenty brave souls attempted to escape fifteen of whom were recaptured and tortured. The remainder eventually was transported to the West Indies. These poor people where held in the covenanters prison at the Grey friars Auld Kirk Edinburgh, they were forced to march from Edinburgh to 2miles from Stone haven which was a very long way some died on the way.

The ruins of the castle are spread over a three acre area virtually surrounded by sheer cliffs which drop to the North Sea below this castle is accessed via a narrow strip of land joining the mainland and a steep path leading up to the massive gatehouse. The cliffs and headland formations which extend miles to the north and south are home to tens of thousands of pelagic birds, making this stretch of Scottish coast a notable bird sanctuary of northern Europe from the standpoint of total bird populations and diversity of species. The 1990 film Hamlet starring Mel Gibson and Glenn Close was shot there.

Paranormal Investigation 2008

Paranormal Investigation took place at this location audio EVP and paranormal photography was captured, what is shown on this page are my findings my paranormal results. Ghost voices known Electronic Voice Phenomenon EVP and Paranormal Photography in the prison area I captured what I think is a spirit soul trying to manifest only shown the torso and head.

Paranormal Findings captured by Linda Williamson 2008.

DUNNOTTAR CASTLE..Location less than two miles south of STONEHAVEN north east coast of Scotland