Peterhead / Cruden Bay

Overview

Peterhead, in the far north-east of Scotland, is a busy fishing port...

and the home of Dracula! Peterhead is one of the busiest fishing ports in Europe with over 400 boats and a bustling daily fishmarket, plus a 100-berth leisure marina. The Maritime Heritage Centre tells the story of the local sailors, whalers and fisher folk. Ugie Salmon Fishings, Scotland's oldest salmon fish house, sells direct to the public.

South of Peterhead is Slains Castle. Throughout the late 19th century the 19th Earl of Erroll played host at the castle to actors, musicians and singers of the day. Among the guests was Bram Stoker who was entranced by the surrounding scenery. In 1895 Stoker began writing Dracula, using Slains Castle as the inspiration for the Vampire's Transylvanian castle of terror.

Many thousands of seabirds nest on the cliffs at Bullers o'Buchan, a couple of miles north of Cruden Bay. The name probably comes from 'boilers' - used to describe the seething sea that carved the impressive cliff scenery such as caves and inlets.

Cruden Bay Golf Course was ranked in the top 60 in the world by 'Golf Magazine'. The 18-hole championship course, designed by Tom Morris, is set against a backdrop of smoothly contoured greens and magnificent panoramic views.