To visit this ruin is to relive some of the darkest chapters of Scottish history. The castle stands on a fantastic isloated rock projecting from the coast, 2 miles south of Stonehaven. Throughout its history the castle was the scene of battles, seiges and surrenders. The darkest episode must be from May 1685 when a large group of covenanter prisoners - 122 men and 45 women were herded indiscriminately into the castles dungeon, now known as "Whigs Vault" as a result of the conditions and numbers many died. Today the ruins are open to the public, after the repair and excavations carried out in the 1920's.... < more >