Stonehaven 

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Stonehaven is a fishing port to the south of Aberdeen. It is an ancient town with an attractive old harbour, a 17th century tollbooth (now a restaurant) and an impressive 14th century fortress perched on a rock, Dunnottar Castle.

During the civil war royalists held the castle and the Scottish crown jewels were kept there until Cromwell’s army took the castle after an eight month siege and the jewels were smuggled out and hidden behind the pulpit of Kinneff parish church a few miles to the south.

• The town is the ideal base if you want to visit the nearby 'Mearns', this area of outstanding natural beauty is ideal if you enjoy watersports, bird watching or just relaxing soaking in the rays.