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Slains Castle gallery: Look back at nights out in Aberdeen’s horror-themed pub over the years

David Wilson dressed as Dracula, and Shellie Baxter, feature in our nostalgic Slains Castle gallery. Picture by Colin Rennie
David Wilson dressed as Dracula, and Shellie Baxter, feature in our nostalgic Slains Castle gallery. Picture by Colin Rennie

For more than 20 years, Slains Castle has been a favourite hangout for students, goths and countless other high-spirited revellers.

Plans to turn it into a swanky Slug and Lettuce cocktail bar – doing away with the demonic decor – have this week caused uproar among fans.

The possible change – pending the approval of Aberdeen City Council – has seen many sharing fond memories of youthful nights out in the Belmont Street bar.

Slains Castle on Belmont Street, seen here in 2017.

And we decided to delve into our archives, unearthing pictures spanning more than 20 years…

Can you spot yourself in any?

Nights out in Slains Castle

Jane Little, Natasha Rodgers and Amy Murdie sipped some cocktails on a trip to Slains Castle in January 2012.

Joanna Wilson, Natasha Szmidt and Sarah Vrnel posing next to the famous bookcase, which hides a secret entrance to the toilet, in this image from 2011.

Charlene Fordyce and Sarah Stanford visited Slains Castle back in 2007.

Eva Bohlert, Alex Aitchison and Alex Bell enjoyed the spooky surroundings in 2010.
Slains Castle has really come to life on Halloween since opening in 1999…

Andy Costine, Andrina Sykes, Mathew Wardrop, Jennifer Hamilton, Erika Masson, Claire Crennan, Jenny Main and Murray Keir all donned costumes for a night out in October 2010.

Sara Watt and fan of grisly TV series Dexter, Gail Taylor, smiled for our cameras on their visit in 2011.

Sam Sugavanam and Pradeep Lakshmana visited in December 2012, when tinsel was draped over the bar’s ornate balustrades to add a festive touch.

Unusual venue is perfect location for blood plea

Where better to promote a blood donation drive than a venue inspired by Count Dracula?

The deputy head of the city’s blood transfusion centre, David Wilson, dressed as the legendary vampire to rally donations in 2001.

Secretary Shellie Baxter accompanied David, playing the role of his petrified would-be victim.

And former Lady Provost Margaret Farquahar got into the spirit of things too!

This wasn’t the only time drama has been staged in Slains.

Two years later, in 2003, actors Steven Harrison and Laura Leonard rehearsed their Edinburgh Fringe play Scottish Times there.

Salute to the bar staff in our Slains Castle gallery

But the staff have been just as important as the customers over the years.

Here we see barmaid Amanda MacCorquodale pulling a pint in 2003.

Workers Natasha Goldie and Stewart Cuthbert dressed up to celebrate as Slains was nominated in the Evening Express Bar of the Year awards in 2009.

And in 2019, deputy manager Robin Michie showed us how to concoct some of the bar’s trademark Halloween drinks.


Do you think the changes will be a benefit to Aberdeen? Let us know in our comments section


Pub went from scary to hairy for doggy day out

And our Slains Castle gallery proves it’s not just people who have enjoyed a visit…

In December 2017, the bar staged a Santa’s Grotto for Dogs, and here’s Holly McLean with her westie Casper.

Jo Paterson arrived with her daughter Daisy, 10, and their German Shepherd, Chopper.

Cockapoo Rudi had a ball during the fun day!

And Santa himself even made an appearance…

Robbie McCulloch donned the red suit to present well-behaved dogs with treats, accompanied by “elves” Shona Todd and Michelle Jamieson.

Do you have any cherished images of nights out in Slains Castle? Send them to ben.hendry@ajl.co.uk for inclusion in our gallery!

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