Old Slains Castle

Coordinates: 57°21′40″N 1°54′50″W / 57.361°N 1.914°W / 57.361; -1.914

Old Slains Castle (otherwise known as Old Castle Slains) is a ruined castle near Collieston in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

History

The 13th-century castle was originally the property of the Comyn Earls of Buchan. After their forfeiture in the 14th century it was given to Sir Gilbert Hay by Robert the Bruce in recognition for his support against the English.

In 1594, Francis Hay, 9th Earl of Erroll led a rebellion which was put down by James VI. The castle was destroyed with gunpowder and cannon.

After returning from exile, Hay built a New Slains Castle on the site of the former Bowness Castle near Cruden Bay.

Modern Day

One wall of the castle remains standing, at approximately 25m in height. In the 1950s, a 3-storey house was built within the ruins, adjoining a fishing cottage built in the 18th century. The property was leased out until 2003 to a variety of wayward individuals, none of whom have moved onto better things^{[citation needed]}.

Structure

Originally a strongly built 5-storey oblong keep (of which a small part remains), a wall defending the landward side was added in the early 16th century.