Stonehaven & The Mearns

Stonehaven, 15 miles south of Aberdeen on the A90, is a popular seaside resort with a busy harbour nestling at the foot of high cliffs.  The Tolbooth, built in 1600 and located at the harbour, houses a museum about the local history and fishing industry.  The RSPB reserve at Fowlsheugh can be accessed by boat from the harbour. A 15-minute walk south of Stonehaven takes you to the ruins of the 9th century Dunnottar Castle situated in a dramatic setting on the cliffs - it was used as the location for Franco Zeffirelli's Hamlet, starring Mel Gibson.  South of the castle are some quaint villages, such as Catterline, Kinneff (where the Crown jewels were hidden from Cromwell's army in 1651) and Arbuthnott (home of the 19th century author, Lewis Grassic Gibbon).

Information
Buses and trains run to Dundee and Aberdeen from Stonehaven.  The tourist office is situated in Allardice Street in Stonehaven.  Eating places include the Marine Hotel, the Tolbooth Seafood Restaurant and the art deco Carron Restaurant.