Collieston can be found on the coast in between
Cruden Bay and Newburgh. Like many of the coastal villages in
these parts it used to be a busy fishing port for herring, haddock
and cod. The small harbour is still there overlooked by rows
of pretty houses built up the hill in the bay, some of which
are holiday homes for escapees from the city. A small but pleasant
sandy beach in the harbour provides a play area for children.
There are tales of smuggling and storage of contraband in
the caves. The local graveyard offers an interesting walk
and inspection of the tombs, some of which are extremely old
and marked with skull and crossbones.
The
last village smuggler to be captured and killed by Excise officials
armed with cutlass was a certain Phillip Kennedy in 1798. His
grave and tombstone still stands.
A ship from the Spanish Armada carrying arms for the Earl
of Erroll is said to have sunk in the bay in 1594. There are
still connections with the Erroll family in the area. The
ruins of Slains Castle in Cruden Bay was owned by descendants
of the family. Cruden Bay primary school is called Port Erroll.
The narrow coastal road from Collieston to Whinnyfold and
Cruden Bay is ideal for cycling. Cars are few and far between
although you may have to watch out for tufts of grass growing
in the road and farmer's sheep dogs that attempt to round
up stray cyclists.
Opening Timings
Daily: At all times
Directions
By Bus: 260, 263
By Train: Aberdeen
By road: Off A90 4 miles south of Peterhead.
Contact Info
Collieston Village
Cruden Bay
Aberdeenshire
Scotland
