What is recorded here

Dunnottar Castle is a ruined medieval fortress on a rocky headland in Aberdeenshire, built between the 14th and 16th centuries and used until 1718. Its steep cliffs drop 160 feet to the North Sea, while a narrow strip of land joins the castle to the mainland. Dunnottar became famous when the Honours of Scotland were hidden from Oliver Cromwell’s invading army during the 17th century. The Keith family owned it from the 14th century, and it served as the seat of the Earl Marischal until the last Earl lost his titles after joining the Jacobite rebellion of 1715.

Scotland's National Record of the Historic Environment records Dunnottar Castle as Castle (medieval), Prison (post Medieval). The official map says its point is accurate as follows: NGR given to the nearest 1m. The record does not by itself mean that the public may enter the place.

Dunnottar Castle was originally built by the Keith family in the 12th or 13th century and later held by the Marquesses of Huntly. It is important as a historic stronghold associated with Scottish resistance to English rule and as the site where the Honours of Scotland were hidden during the 17th century.

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