Slains Castle

The origins of Slains Castle date back to the 16th century when the ninth Earl of Erroll had a residential tower built as the core of the complex. The Hay family, who owned the lands of Slains since the 14th century, was an influential noble family. After the ninth Earl, Francis Hay, was declared a traitor in 1594 for his involvement in a rebellion and the signing of the "Spanish Blanks," King James VI of Scotland ordered the destruction of the original family castle, Old Slains Castle. Upon his return from exile and regaining royal favor, Hay had a new castle built, which later became known as New Slains Castle. Over the centuries, the complex underwent numerous expansions and alterations, including a comprehensive redesign in the Scottish Baronial style between 1836 and 1837. In 1913, after more than 300 years of ownership by the Hay family, the castle was sold. In 1925, the roof was removed to save on taxes, accelerating the complex's decay. Plans for renovation and conversion into holiday apartments were put on hold in 2009 due to the economic crisis.

The ruin of Slains Castle is located in Cruden Bay, in the Aberdeenshire district of Scotland, United Kingdom, at an elevation of approximately 23 meters above sea level.

Today, Slains Castle is a roofless ruin, but it is accessible to visitors and can be explored.

• Old Slains Castle (ruin), approx. 7.8 km away
• Knockhall Castle (ruin), approx. 14.5 km away
• Tolquhon Castle (ruin), approx. 24.1 km away
• Torry Battery (military structures), approx. 33.4 km away