Slains Castle & Bullers O' Buchan

Before getting into our Slain's Castle trip K wanted to show you this little bunny rabbit. (S)He is quite small and could fit in the palm of your hand. Very inquisitive and wandered right up to the house. It was quite amusing as it appeared not to have found its feet, jumping and skipping as it went, a bit like Bambi learning to walk.

We have passed Slains Castle numerous times and have seen it from the road but the pending conversion into holiday apartments pushed us into visiting and taking some pictures before the opportunity disappears forever. Once work starts I'm sure access will be limited or non-existent.

A view down the gorge, on approach to Slains Castle


The Castle as seen from the path

Looking North, along the seaward side of the Castle


The shoreline, looking North from the castle


The shoreside face of the Castle


The base of a spiral staircase. The staircase was completely intact but we didn't venture up in case something gave way


Looking up the same tower. The spiral staircase can be seen quite clearly through the 1st floor window


Looking into the cellar. The flash provides the light that is missing as you peer into the dimness


Inside the cellar. On descending it was pitch black and very eerie, reminding you of a crypt or similar. The storage areas on the wall could quite easily be perceived as the resting places for those long departed. It was strange stepping down into this area and I could feel the hairs on the back of my neck rise as the torch picked out the detail. From the scattered beer bottles and cans it obviously didn't have the same effect on others!


Another view looking North from the shoreside main entrance. D & K add scale to the picture


Arial photographs. No I didn't venture up in a helicopter. These were nicked off the web. On the first picture the North wing is out of view to the left
I'm glad I found these as it puts a completely different perspective on what we saw from the ground

Slains Castle in 1900, before the roof was removed in 1925. Quite an impressive building in its day. It's easy to see where Brams Stoker found his inspiration!http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/crudenbay/slainscastle/index.html


The Bullers O' Buchan

This spectacular coastal feature was created by the action of the sea causing the roof of a sea cave to collapse. The sea enters through a natural arch and this, combined with the wheeling seabirds and the 200ft cliffs produces one of the most spectacular sights in Scotland.

This is a dangerous place so think twice if visiting with young kids.

K was a little disappointed we didn't see any Puffins. Maybe next time.

A view to the South from the Bullers O' Buchan

After visiting the Bullers O' Buchan we stopped off at the Ugie estuary in Peterhead to feed the swans. So endeth a lovely day for bird lover K!