July 25: Day trip to Stonehaven on the East Coast of Scotland
After spending our first week in the lowlands of Scotland and the second week on the west coast of the country in Carbost, Isle of Skye, we ventured north east via train along the east coast, which offered spectacular views of the coast line and some of the eastern landscapes of Scotland. Stonehaven is a harbor town located south of Aberdeen. The town of Stonehaven is also home to one of the most topographically interesting and scenic historical sites along the east coast: Dunnottar castle. Dunnotar castle is located at the top of a dramatic rock formation that juts out to the North Sea and is connected to the mainland by a narrow stretch of land. The castle is surrounded by picturesque bays and sheer cliffs, and the piercing cries of the seagulls that inhabit these cliffs contribute to the site's haunting feel. Given some of the sculpted stones found in the area, Dunnotar is initially believed to have been established as a religious site for the clergy associated with the Celtic church, who often chose headlands like Dunnotar as places for religious retreat. Later the site’s geographic and strategic advantages were exploited through the construction of various fortifications, which have been tried and tested in a number of conflicts throughout Scottish history.
Although accessible by road, Dunnotar is perhaps best appreciated by walking on foot to the castle along a scenic cliff path that begins at the head of the harbor, where we began our hike today. Unlike Edinburgh castle, which tends to be inundated with tourists, Dunnotar is a lesser known and visited site, which perhaps makes it easier to appreciate its majesty—as well as imagine the various purposes it must have served over the years. After visiting Dunnotar, we took the train back to Edinburgh, and students noted what they perceived to be some of the topographical differences between the east and west coasts of Scotland in preparation for a journal due the same evening.
