Dunnottar Castle was brought to world notice as a backdrop to Franco Zeffirelli's film 'Hamlet' starring Mel Gibson. It is a mecca to thousands each year.

Dramatic and imposing, on its cliff-top perch, near Stonehaven in the Grampian region, Dunnottar Castle is a breath-taking spectacle; the ancient walls seem to breathe history from every corner. Between the 9th and 17th centuries the various fortifications were fought over many times. For three centuries the castle was held by the Keith family who were Grand Marischals of Scotland.

It's station was a quite one in the 5th century when it became the home of one of St. Ninian's many churches.But this was transferred in the late 14th century two miles inland to where the present Dunnottar Parish Church lies close to the Carron River in Dunnottar Woods now designated a Woodland Park.

This is when Sir William Keith fortified the castle rock and brought Papal wrath on his head for violating hallowed ground. His excommunication from the church however was latter revoked on condition Dunnottar Church was suitably recompensed.

A famous event of a different kind occurred in 1685, when 167 Covenanters were imprisoned in terrible conditions. The Whigs vault where these men and women were kept can be seen today as it was then. After the Jacobite rebellion of 1715 and 1745, the property was fortified but later fell into disrepair.

Beginning in 1925, however, an ambitious programme of restoration was undertaken by the first Viscountess Cowdray. This work is responsible for the present state of the castle, now maintained by the Dunecht Estates. A wide variety of successive architectural styles is demonstrated, and the fully restored drawing-room should also be seen.

A resident guide is in attendance and further information and postcards concerning this most interesting castle can readily be obtained. Dunnottar Castle stands above the shore and can be reached via the A92 road about 2 miles south of Stonehaven. Please note that because of steep access paths and flights of steps the castle is not really suitable for the disabled.