We took my sister to Slains Castle today. It’s a castle ruin about 25 miles north along the coast from Aberdeen. It was a scenic drive along the coast through undulating fields of farmland overlooking the vast expanse of the North Sea.
Slains Castle’s claim to fame is that it supposedly inspired Bram Stoker to write Dracula after he visited the area in 1895. There is something eerie about the place with its dramatic position on a cliff-edge. People have plunged to their deaths here which was only too evident by the flowers and messages left in memory of the last death a few years ago. Needless to say we kept the kids on a tight leash.
The castle is completely free and not managed by any historical societies. Apparently it fell into disrepair early last century when the then owner removed the roof to avoid paying taxes.
The castle is absolutely enormous and a fascinating place to visit. The views were also superb, and nearby Cruden Bay with its huge sandy beach, delightful.
I took my sister op-shopping in Aberdeen yesterday and I think she’s now hooked. I bought the skirt I’m wearing in the next pic which I think is probably too short for a 40-year-old. However my sister, who is only 29 I might add, convinced me otherwise. Too short?
Cruden Bay is in the background of this next pic.
Daniel and Elizabeth are building sand castles on the beach in the distance in this next one. Daniel said afterwards that it was as much fun as playing on the iPad. Lofty praise indeed.
Just before we went to leave we all visited the public toilets in the carpark at Cruden Bay which I have to rate 10/10 as far as public toilets go.They were so clean and well-equipped. I was sitting in the car waiting for my sister and playing on my iPhone when I heard the door of the car next to me open followed by, “Shit!”. She had nearly hopped into the wrong car and the owner had even left their doors unlocked so Cruden Bay must be a fairly crime-free place 🙂
rachel.blog 
I love old castles – great photos 🙂 And sounds like a great day out 🙂
I like Daniel’s sandcastle/iPad comparison 😀
Thanks! It was a great day out 🙂
As long as you have legs like that, you can go on wearing skirts like that. (Says she who possesses the stumpy variety of leg.)
Thank you! Perhaps I’ll continue wearing short skirts into my 90s. Who cares what everyone else thinks 🙂
Looks as though a great day was had by all. Lovely scenery. As for your skirt, you have nice legs so show them off. Amused about Daniel’s sand castle comment. 🙂
Thanks! Not many things can compete with the iPad as far as Daniel is concerned but building sandcastles is one of them.
I enjoy your castle visits. We don’t have them in these parts. As for your skirt, I think age is less important than the shape of the legs. Some are better hidden behind a long skirt. You are lucky. You can wear short 🙂
Too short for what?
Cool photos. Good to know you all had lot of fun with your sister.
“As much fun as playing on iPad”. Look what is his benchmark! Kids these days!