It was the inspiration for one of literature’s most famous creations.
And now, Slains Castle in Aberdeenshire – which was cited by author Bram Stoker as a significant influence on his novel Dracula – has been recommended for listed building status.
Part of the floor plan at the castle was mentioned in the Gothic work, much of which was written in Cruden Bay, as the prelude to being published to global acclaim in 1897.
Stoker first visted the area four years earlier during a walking tour of the north east coast and returned to the region on a regular basis during the next 18 years.
The Port Erroll Heritage Group has welcomed the recommendation by Historic Environment Scotland to help secure the future of the iconic site, which features a dramatic cliff-top setting adjacent to the North Sea.
It forms part of a consultation exercise, which will finish on February 15, before any final decision is taken.
The organisation’s spokesman, Mike Shepherd, said: “This is fantastic news. No more will Slains Castle be left to crumble into the North Sea.
“The castle’s major contribution to the world’s literary heritage will now be rightfully recognised once this decision is confirmed.”
A spokesman for HES added: “It is a striking example of a 16th-century castle with subsequent alterations and additions in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, demonstrating the changing trends in Scottish architecture.
“While the building is a notable example of its type and has significant historical associations, the importance of [New] Slains Castle should be recognised as category B, in light of the extensive loss of the interior.”
The conservation group’s intervention follows a lengthy campaign by Joe Allan, 83, a retired civil servant from East Kilbride, who spent childhood holidays near the castle and was captivated by its charms.
He was determined to preserve it for the nation and lobbied First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, last year.
Mr Allan said: “It is a building of considerable importance, architecturally and historically.
“It is magnificent inside and outside, so it is something which is definitely worthy of being listed, because it will be protected.”
A business consortium, the Slains Partnership, was granted outline planning permission by Aberdeenshire Council in 2007 to construct holiday flats at the castle locale.
But that has now expired and any future applications will be subject to scrutiny from HES and the local authority.
