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Dunnottar

Dunnottar is a coastal parish and historic site in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, located on a dramatic sea cliff near the town of Stonehaven, about 16 miles south of Aberdeen. The area is best known for Dunnottar Castle, a ruined fortress perched on a sandstone headland overlooking the North Sea. The castle’s origins lie in the late medieval period, with subsequent expansion by the local noble families who held the earldom of Marischal. Over the centuries it served as a stronghold, royal refuge, and residence, commanding control of the surrounding coastline and approaches from the sea.

The site is historically significant for its role in Scotland’s turbulent seventeenth century. In 1651, during

Today, Dunnottar Castle is a major tourist destination and a scheduled ancient monument administered by Historic

the
Wars
of
the
Cromwellian
era,
the
castle
withstood
a
siege
by
Parliamentarian
forces.
It
is
closely
associated
with
the
safeguarding
of
the
Honours
of
Scotland—the
Crown
Jewels
of
Scotland—during
the
civil
conflict,
which
were
kept
there
for
a
time
before
being
moved
to
safety.
The
assaults
and
eventual
decline
of
the
fortress
left
Dunnottar
in
ruin,
though
substantial
remains
survive,
including
parts
of
the
gatehouse,
church,
and
curtain
walls,
set
against
the
cliff-backed
sea.
Environment
Scotland.
Visitors
come
to
the
cliff-top
ruins
for
the
dramatic
landscape,
coastal
views,
and
historical
atmosphere,
often
alongside
the
nearby
Dunnottar
Woods
and
the
village
of
Stonehaven.
The
site
remains
a
prominent
symbol
of
Scottish
medieval
and
early
modern
history,
reflecting
a
long
continuum
of
strategic
and
ceremonial
importance
along
the
northeast
coast.