Spectacularly
located on rugged cliffs jutting into the North Sea, Dunottar
Castle is a very impressive and extensive Castle ruin dating from
the twelfth century. It consists of an L-shaped keep with a large
courtyard surrounded by a chapel, stables, barracks and a forge.
As
with all Scottish castles it is immersed in history. William Wallace
captured Dunottar from the English in 1296, Edward III (of England)
took the castle in the 1330's but it was subsequently recaptured
by the Scots.
In 1382 the Earl Marischal acquired the castle and by the sixteenth
century Dunottar was one of the strongest fortresses in Scotland.
Mary, Queen of Scots visited here during 1562 and in 1651 the
Scottish crown jewels were kept here for safety.
Cromwell
besieged the castle in 1652 but the small garrison of only 70
men held out for eight months, saving the Scottish crown jewels
from destruction.
The Earl Marischal supported the Jacobites in the 1715 Rising
but when he forfeited, the castle was taken from him and partly
dismantled. By 1720 it was in ruins.
These
days you are able to view the remaining buildings which comprise
Dunottar Castle. The most notable of these are the tower, the
thirteenth century chapel, the priest's house and a gatehouse.
One of the most interesting parts is the Whigs Vault Dungeons.
It was here, in 1685 that 167 Covenanters were imprisoned; those
who attempted escape were tortured and all were then transported
to the West Indies.
In
1925, the 1st Viscountess Cowdray started repairing the castle
and opened it to the public.
This dramatic castle was one of the locations for Zeffirelli's
Hamlet, starring Mel Gibson.
Dunottar
Castle is located about 15 miles from Aberdeen on the east coast
of Scotland. The castle can be found at the end of a long &
steep walk through the ravine called 'St.Ninians Den'.
The
Castle is a magnificent backdrop for a very special wedding day,
but the Bride and Groom must be the adventurous outdoor type as
the walks are long and steep (at least 10-15 minutes) both on
the way to and way from the Castle itself, and the Castle is very
open to the elements.
So,
if you and your wedding party are fit and looking for something
both unique and intimate for your special day, then Dunottar Castle
might just be perfect for you.
For
a Highland Wedding at Dunottar Castle in the Highlands of Scotland
- Contact us for more information.
