What is recorded here

Old Slains Castle stands as a ruined tower house on the Aberdeenshire coast, destroyed by King James in 1594 after the Hays joined the uprising against him. Two cannon recovered from the sea still lie beside the wreckage, one mounted on modern wood as if waiting to fire again. The cliff face holds faint traces of the lost barmekin wall, while the ditch and rampart have been scarred by later building. What remains is enough to imagine the guard room, the gate, and the men who watched the water from that high stone edge.

Scotland's National Record of the Historic Environment records Old Slains Castle as Cannon(s) (period Unassigned). The official map says its point is accurate as follows: NGR given to the nearest 10m. The record does not by itself mean that the public may enter the place.

Old Slains Castle was built by the Keith family in the 16th century and is remembered for its distinctive architectural style and historical association with Scottish nobility. It is also noted for its later use as a summer residence by the Earls of Kintore.

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