Dunnottar close to being king of the castle in online poll

A Mearns castle has ranked high in a poll of the UK public’s favourite castles.

Dunnottar Castle, on the outskirts of Stonehaven, pulled in the votes in the poll organised by HolidayLettings.co.uk.

It was one of three highlyranked Scottish locations, behind Edinburgh and Stirling castles.

Custodian Jim Wands said: “We are delighted, out of all the castles in Britain, to be included in the most popular.

“We were up against some great castles,” he added.

The medieval landmark has seen visitor numbers increase in recent years with an 11% rise last year to more 101,000 people.

Jim added: “Last year was a great year for us and so far this year we have been doing really well; however, it all depends on the weather.

“Anything which promotes the castle is brilliant.

“If people come to the castle then they are helping Stonehaven, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire which can only be a good thing really.”

“We have recently been voted the second best castle in Scotland by Tripadvisor, so to be recognised by them is very good.”

Saskia Welman, spokeswoman for HolidayLettings.co.uk, said: “Dunnottar Castle is one of the most impressive ruined castles in Scotland, and made it onto our final list for its unique mystery and intrigue.

“On your visit, you will be able to spot wildlife around the castle, watch seabirds and admire the extraordinary sights of this formidable fortress.”

The fort on the shelving slope, it was the setting for some scenes in the 1990 film version of Hamlet, starring Mel Gibson and Glenn Close.