The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Fangs a lot as Dracula castle gets listed status
Delight at new safeguards
A north-east castle that inspired the famous novel Dracula has secured listed building status after a 10-year battle to protect it for future generations.
Slains Castle near Cruden Bay is now a B-listed property after Historic Environment Scotland (HES) awarded the clifftop structure the accolade.
It recognises its special architectural interest from its origins in the 16th century and its remodelling in the 19th century, as well as its links with Bram Stoker.
Yesterday the Port Erroll Heritage Group welcomed the move, which would make it “difficult” for developers to build near the site. A business consortium was given the go-ahead to transform the ruined fortress into holiday apartments several years ago but the approval has expired.
Mike Shepherd, the heritage group’s spokesman, said locals in nearby Cruden Bay will be “delighted” with the announcement.
He said: “This listing makes it more difficult for plans like that to take hold in the future. The people of Cruden Bay will be absolutely delighted that Slains Castle has been listed.”
The HES website stated that listed building status is granted for properties to make sure changes made are “appropriate and sympathetic to their character”. The owner will now need to apply for consent before carrying out any development work or alterations.
Retired civil servant Joe Allan, who spent childhood holidays near the castle, has been campaigning for the move for listed building status for the past decade.
The 83-year-old from East Kilbride said: “It affords it protection because it sits high above the cliffs on the North Sea and is fully exposed to the elements.
Elizabeth McCrone, head of designations for Historic Environment Scotland, said: “Listing will help to ensure that its interest is recognised for future generations.”