DiCamillo Companion
Scotland

New Slains Castle

Cruden Bay, near Peterhead

Aberdeenshire

Scotland

Circa Date: 16th century w/1837 rebuild

Status: Ruin

Began the path to ruination in 1925, when the roof was removed to avoid taxes.

House Open to Public: No

Country House: Yes

This house has been used for TV and Film

The House from a circa 1919 postcard

The House from a circa 1925 postcard

  • House & Family History: Bram Stoker visited this part of Aberdeenshire in 1895. The famous Irish author lodged at a cottage near Cruden Bay and was very likely a guest at Slains Castle, which has, since its publication in 1897, been cited as Stoker's inspiration for the castle in his most famous novel, "Dracula."

  • Architect: John Smith

    Date: 1836-37
    Designed: Rebuilt Castle in Scots Baronial style for William Hay, 18th Earl of Erroll.

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    Architect: Thomas Hayton Mawson

    Date: 1890s
    Designed: Gardens

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  • John Bernard (J.B.) Burke, published under the title of A Visitation of the Seats and Arms of the Noblemen and Gentlemen of Great Britain and Ireland, among other titles: 2.S. Vol. II, p. 139, 1855.

  • House Listed: Category B

    Park Listed: Not Listed

  • "The Crown" (2016 - TV series, as the exterior of the Castle of Mey).

  • Past Seat / Home of: Francis Hay, 9th Earl of Erroll, 16th century; Hay family here until 1913. Sir John Ellerman, 1913-25.

    Current Ownership Type: Corporation

    Primary Current Ownership Use: Unoccupied

    Ownership Details: Owned by Slains Partnership, who plan to convert the castle into holiday flats.

  • House Open to Public: No

    Historic Houses Member: No

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