New Slains Castle – Hay Clan Jigsaw Puzzle

The Hay clan’s New Slains Castle overlooks the North Sea east of Cruden Bay in Scotland.It was the stronghold of the Hay Clan and residence of the chief, the Earl of Earrol, through many generations. Located in Aberdeenshire, this structure succeeded another nearby Hay castle, Old Slains. The powerful Hay family owned property in the area from the 1400s, and King James II presented the earldom to Sir William Hay in 1453. The 9th Earl of Earrol constructed New Slains as a Tower house in the 16th century. It has undergone numerous renovations over the years. The last time was in 1837 when it was re-constructed in a Scots Baronial style. Once famous of its three gardens, New Slains Castle is now a roofless ruin. The 20th Earl of Erroll sold the property in 1913, ending more than 300 years of ownership by the Hay family. It is privately owned.