Castle Hill Cullen
Hill In Cullen, Scotland
An easy to access hill with stunning views over Cullen, that once was the site of a motte and bailey castle.
Castle Hill at Cullen is a smashing viewpoint, overlooking Cullen Bay and Harbour.
It is also the site of a Motte And Bailey castle.
The Cullen Castle Motte was encircled by a wide ditch and outer rampart. King William the Lion who reigned from 1165 to 1214, established the Burgh of Cullen in the late 12th century. Records mention a building in Inverculain in 1264 which could be the castle, but it was occupied as a royal castle by 1296.
It was one of the residences of King Robert I (Robert the Bruce) and his second wife, Elizabeth de Burgh. Sadly, Elizabeth died here in 1327, following a fall from her horse.
The castle deteriorated until it eventually disappeared in the 1800's, leaving only the mound you see today.
Within the sandstone structure on Castle Hill are plaques that were found in Old Cullen. Above is the Stuart Coat of Arms, used during the reign of Charles II and may have been part of the Old Cullen merkat cross.
Below, on the left is thought to be the Ogilvie coat of arms, a prominent family in the area associated with Findlater Castle and nearby Cullen House.
Below, on the right, the plaque bears the initials MPO, assumed to be Magister Patrick Ogilvie, a Cullen MP. The other initials are DEB for Dame Elizabeth Baird, the daughter of another Cullen MP. Both were known to have been married, however my research shows the marriage in 1693, so what is the significance of the year 1688? Answers on a postcard!
Below is stone from above a dormer window bearing the Boar of Baird, which is a typical of a 17th century mantling.
The mound on which the small amount of remains sit, was found to be covered by a network of ancient paths.
In 2017, the paths were excavated and restored. During the excavations several musket balls were found. Previously a ring and a brooch have been found, the latter was inscribed with the words 'Amor Vicnit Omnia' was found, meaning 'Love Conquers All'.
The views are great from the top, you can even spot the hill, the Bin of Cullen.
There are a couple of routes up Castle Hill, all of which have good paths and information boards.
The Cullen Castle Motte is designated a Scheduled Monument with Historic Environment Scotland.
The quickest route is than 0.5km to the Castle Hill.
Follow the above route, or find on OS Maps.
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How To Find Castle Hill Cullen
Where Is Castle Hill Cullen?
Lat / Long
57.69034, -2.82558
What three words
Where To Park For Castle Hill Cullen?
Lat / Long
57.69097435870282, -2.8234388661441243
What three words
There is a small car park at the bottom of Castle Hill. If full, then there is street parking on Grant Street.
Contributed by Lorraine London
I have been a keen hill walker for many years and more recently enjoy trig bagging. When I'm not exploring Northumberland, County Durham and Yorkshire, I spend most of my holidays in bonny Scotland. Other than hills, I love investigating ruinous buildings and waterfalls. I have been a member of NT and EH for years, which also gives me access to Historic Environment Scotland places.
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