Travelogue of Dunnottar Castle | Memories on the Cliff and Whispers of the Wind

Driving northeast from Edinburgh, through rolling hills and under low-hanging clouds, I arrived at Scotland's eastern coast. My destination was Dunnottar Castle, a historic ruin perched on a cliff near the town of Stonehaven. It was a beauty both solitary and majestic, one that took my breath away. Even before reaching the entrance, the castle came into view from afar. It stood silently atop towering sea cliffs, surrounded by the raging waves of the North Sea. The wind was strong and biting, as if carrying the timeless whispers of the Middle Ages, sweeping away all worldly noise. Walking along a winding path, the view gradually opened up, and the castle's silhouette became clearer. It wasn't the pristine "fairy tale castle" one might imagine, but its ruins and imperfections gave it a sense of authenticity and soul. Dunnottar Castle dates back to the 5th century. It was once a vital defensive stronghold for the Scottish royal family and a secret fortress for safeguarding royal treasures. Legend has it that in the 17th century, during Cromwell's invasion, loyalists risked their lives to hide the Scottish Crown Jewels in the castle's cellar, ultimately preserving these national symbols.