New Slains Castle, Cruden Bay

Magnificant sea-girt courtyard palace erected by the Ninth Earl of Erroll after James VI destroyed his old castle at Collieston. The wings were customary one room thick, each apartment opening into the next, so that in 1664 a gallery was added within the courtyard to add a corridor, and a new entrance front in 1707. A magnificant ogee-roofed bow window was added in the middle of the south flank.

Substantially rebuilt and granite faced in 1836-7 by John Smith in the Baronial style. Unroofed in 1925 (Charles McKean) Bram Stoker is thought to have written part of Dracula whilst staying at Crookit Lum Cottage near Cruden Bay in 1895. He may have visited the castle as a guest of William Hay, 19th Earl of Errol. (The Herald)

2 March 2004: The Buchan Observer reports that the castle has been derelict since the 1920s, although applications for restoration as 35 holiday lets are soon to be lodged by Acanthus Architects Douglas Forrest on behalf of the Slains Partnership. 11 September 2004: The Aberdeen Evening Express reports that local planners have backed the plans. 14 September 2004: The Buchan Observer reports that the plans are likely to be approved, though the Cruden Bay Community Association has expressed some concerns. Historic Scotland has reported that though the castle is unlisted, it is viewed as being of listable quality. It considers the proposals sympathetic to the building. 23 October 2004: The Aberdeen Evening Express reports that a public hearing is to be held in order to debate the plans. 10 November 2004: The Herald reports that outline Planning Permission has been granted. 16 November 2004: The Buchan Observer repeats the story.

February 2008: External inspection finds the property to be an unconsolidated ruin in an exposed, cliff top location. Outline Planning Permission was granted for restoration/ conversion for 35 holiday apartments in 2007. Ref: APP/2004/0321.

February 2009: SCT is contacted by a member of the public advising a news report had reported that the development has slowed and detailed planning permission has yet to lodged with Aberdeenshire Council.

October 2010: External inspection finds no significant change from the last site visit.

18 October 2013: External inspection finds the complex remains in much the same condition as seen previously.

13 August 2014: Full Planning Permission for variation of Condition 1 (Extend time period) of Planning Permission Reference APP/2004/0321 for Outline Planning Permission for Restoration and Redevelopment of Ruinous Castle to Form 35 Holiday Apartments was conditionally approved Apr 2013 ref: APP/2012/2903.

January 2017: A member of the public notes an article in the Aberdeen Evening Express (28/12/2016), reporting on the nomination of the site for listed status.

13 April 2018: The building has been assessed for listed status and has been designated a category B. BARR record updated accordingly.