Dunnottar Castle: Scotland's Cliff-Edge Fortress

Few castles occupy a more dramatic site than Dunnottar. This ruined fortress sits on a rocky headland jutting into the North Sea near Stonehaven, accessible only by a steep, narrow path. Here, the Scottish Crown Jewels were hidden from Cromwell’s forces, and here, 167 Covenanters were imprisoned in conditions so horrific that many died. Their spirits, and others, still walk these windswept ruins.

The History

Ancient Stronghold

The site has been fortified since at least the 7th century. Donald II, King of Scots, died here in 900 AD, possibly in battle against Viking raiders.

The Honours of Scotland

During the Civil War, the Scottish Crown Jewels (the Honours of Scotland) were smuggled out of Dunnottar to prevent their capture by Cromwell’s forces. They were hidden in a nearby church until the Restoration.

The Whigs’ Vault

In 1685, 167 Covenanters (Scottish Presbyterians who refused to accept royal authority over the Church) were imprisoned in a single vault. Crammed together in the dark, with minimal food and water, many died. Some were tortured. A few escaped by climbing down the cliffs. The vault became known as the Whigs’ Vault.

The Hauntings

The Covenanter Ghosts

The Whigs’ Vault is intensely haunted. Visitors report hearing moaning and crying emanating from the empty vault, accompanied by the fleeting sight of figures in 17th-century dress. The sound of prayers and hymns occasionally drifts through the air, and many individuals experience overwhelming feelings of suffocation and despair. Furthermore, some have reported physical sensations of being crushed by unseen bodies, leading to panicked escapes from the site. Numerous visitors have fled the castle in terror, reinforcing the unsettling reputation of the location.

The Viking Raid

The violence of Viking attacks echoes through time. Accounts describe the sound of battle on the cliffs, punctuated by screams from the ruined buildings. Norse figures, wielding axes and swords, are sometimes perceived, accompanied by the visual effect of fire and smoke that cannot be seen.

The Green Lady

A female apparition in green has been seen in the brewery. She is often described as searching for something, and at times appears weeping. Some researchers believe she may be connected to a woman who died in the castle, though her identity remains largely unknown.

The Young Girl

A young girl in a plaid dress has been spotted in the castle grounds, seemingly playing amongst the ruins. Witnesses report that she disappears when approached, suggesting a ghostly presence, possibly the ghost of a child who fell from the cliffs.

The Phantom Soldier

A soldier in Highland dress patrols the ruins. He is believed to be a Jacobite, appearing to be on guard duty, walking the walls as if they were intact and seemingly ignoring the presence of modern visitors.

The Spectral Deer

Unusually, a ghostly deer has been reported. It is said to be seen running through the ruins, disappearing over the cliff edge, possibly connected to hunting parties of the past. This apparition is considered an unexpected and beautiful manifestation.

Modern Activity

Dunnottar’s isolation has not deterred investigators. Photographic evidence frequently captures anomalies, while audio recordings taken within the Whigs’ Vault are consistently disturbing. Extreme temperature variations are often recorded, and electronic field strength (EMF) readings spike in the prison areas, further supporting the claims of paranormal activity. Consequently, the castle is widely considered one of Scotland’s most haunted sites.

Visiting

Dunnottar Castle is privately owned but open to visitors. The walk down to the castle and the climb to the ruins are strenuous but reward visitors with one of Scotland’s most atmospheric historic sites.

Sources

• Wikipedia search: “Dunnottar Castle: Scotland”
• Historic England — Listed Buildings — Register of historic sites