Stonehaven

Scotland > East of Scotland > Kincardineshire > Stonehaven

Located on the coast, off the A90/A957, some 14 miles south of Aberdeen.

It has a long stretch of beach with a wooden walkway. The old harbour is attractive and interesting, popular with the small yachts and boats.

The town itself is a mixture of old and new, with most of the old fishermen's cottages in the harbour area. Some of the buildings like the Town House date back to the 18th Century. The 16th Century Museum, where episcopal clergy were once imprisoned, shows local artifacts and historical facts about the town.

There are a couple of interesting churches, the Old Tollbooth and converted fisher cottages. A great view can be obtained from the war memorial on the hill.

Stonehaven is well known for its 'Ancient Fireball Ceremony' at midnight on Hogmanay. About 60 fireballs are swung in a march through the town and flung into the sea at the harbour. No one really knows the origins of this strange festival but it has been performed every year since records began.

Two miles south of Stonehaven are the atmospheric ruins of Dunnotar Castle which are perched on a high cliff with steep drops all around.