One of the north east’s most famous fortifications has been restored to its former glory – or, at least, digitally.
Dunnottar Castle in Stonehaven is one of seven European castles to be included in a new project.
Budget Direct chose seven of the most unique ruined castles of the continent and,back to the working with a team of designers and architects, created a series of architectural renders and reconstruction animations which take them back to their halcyon days.
The project has been designed to offer a slice of escapism and much-needed armchair travel inspiration to those stuck at home due to lockdown.
Dunnottar Castle in Stonehaven has been included, along with the likes of Samobor Castle in Croatia and the Poenari Fortress in Romania.
Using old paintings and ancient sketches, the building has been “rebuilt” in animated form to provide an insight into how it used to look.
The surviving parts of the castle are largely from the 15th and 16th centuries.
However, the site is believed to have been established in Pictish times between the 5th and 7th century.
In the 9th century, the Vikings invaded, seized, and destroyed the castle, after defeating King Donald II.
Many famous historical names have been associated with the structure, which has also appeared in TV and film adaptations such as Hamlet and Sunset Song.
William Wallace is said to have recaptured the fortress from the English in 1297, several monarchies stayed there, including Mary Queen of Scots, and Dunnottar is also known as the place where the Scottish crown jewels were hidden from Oliver Cromwell’s invading army in the 17th century.
