CRUDEN BAY is perhaps most famous for its link with one of the longest-established characters of horror cinema - Dracula.
For it was while Bram Stoker was staying in the coastal village at the Kilmarnock Arms Hotel in 1895 that he was inspired to write a tale of the supernatural, and based the vampire's lair on Slain's Castle - an impressive structure which overlooks the crashing waves on the rocks overlooking the village.
The castle today is an extensive ruin that can be reached by a footpath from the Main Street car park in the village or from a car park to the North East of the village on the A975.
As with all coastal areas around Aberdeenshire, great care must be taken when walking on the cliffs around Slains Castle, and this is also particularly relevant at the nearby Bullers O' Buchan which provide spectacular views of sea chasms cut into the rock. Located off the A975 three miles north of Cruden Bay, the Bullers are some 200 feet deep in places, and the cliff scenery is some of the most breathtaking in Britain. A wide variety of seabirds, also proliferates at the cliffs, and there are information signs at the Bullers to keep visitors informed of what they may see.
Cruden Bay has a wealth of historical buildings, and this is particularly in evidence with the number of churches it has in and around its boundaries. The Old Church of Cruden, which lies between Cruden Bay and the village of Hatton, is an impressive building dating back to 1776 - enlarged in 1834 - and its graveyard contains many evocative family stones.
St. James Church lies to the south of the village on the ridge of Chapel Hill, and it is visible for miles around and was built in 1765 by the Earl of Erroll. Its font is said to have originated from a church built by Malcolm II on the battlefield of Cruden to mark his victory against a Danish army led by Canute. In addition to its wealth of local craft and antique shops, Cruden Bay also caters for those who enjoy leisure activities, and this is most apparent at its 18-hole championship golf course. The links course is highly regarded as one of the best in Britain, and also has a nine hole course, top-class new clubhouse, professional shop, and clubs and caddy car facilities.
