Cruden Bay & Slains Castle

We headed to the north east coast between Peterhead and Aberdeen to visit Cruden Bay. It has an amazing beach which are frequented by many dogs who are joyous when let loose on the hard flat sand. The doggie in the picture could resist everything but temptation. He received firm instructions not to bother others on the beach. He would look at us and then try to behave but 3 times it got to be too much for him and he charged towards us. He would wiggle with pleasure covering us with sand and water and then charge back to his master. Lovely little terrier.

We headed north to the ruins of Slains Castle which is totally abandoned. Most castles in Scotland are under the care of the Scottish National Trust but not this site. There is a fence with a gate which had a rusty padlock which was doing nothing. There had been a few people we passed on the way in and out so some do visit but it is rare. The castle belonged to the Earl of Errol of the Clan Hay until it was sold in the early 20th Century. In 1925, the new owner could no longer afford the property and to avoid taxes, the roof was removed an allowed to fall into ruins. We were at liberty to climb and investigate as much as we wanted. Care had to be taken as it sits directly on the edge of the cliffs overlooking the North Sea.

Then we went a few miles north to check out the Bullers of Buchan which is a naturally occurring cave and shelter. There remains a small fishing village with a dozen cottages.

After our walks, we headed south to Glencarse to visit with John's friends Carol and Gary. We had a lovely meal and visit with them before we headed to the Glencarse Pub for the night.