Scotland Castle Lighting Project — Slains Castle
Perched high on the dramatic cliffs of Aberdeenshire’s rugged coastline, Slains Castle has stood for centuries, staring out over the restless North Sea. Once a stately 16th-century fortress and later a sprawling 19th-century mansion, its roofless halls have inspired legends — including whispers that it stirred Bram Stoker’s vision of Dracula during his 1895 visit. Today, the ruins remain one of Scotland’s most hauntingly beautiful landmarks, an irresistible subject for photographers and history lovers alike.
This project began as an ambitious journey to light and photograph some of Scotland’s most striking castles — Slains, Sinclair, Gringoe, Ardvreck, Dorney, Kiltrin, and more. But just as we arrived, a powerful named storm swept in from the North Atlantic, battering the coastline with 80+ mph gusts and sheets of rain. For days, flying the drone lighting rigs essential to my vision was impossible.
Only Slains Castle could be completed, lit just hours before the storm returned in full force. Even during the shoot, the wind began pickup just as the storm approached, forcing a hasty retreat. The images capture a fleeting moment — the castle illuminated in a way it has likely never been seen before, with warm, cinematic light against the deep blues of a Scottish evening.
This drone-based architectural lighting technique has never been attempted here, offering a completely new perspective on Scotland’s ancient fortresses. These first photographs are just the beginning of a larger project to bring this unique vision to other legendary sites across the Highlands and islands.
Why this matters:
Exclusive Perspective – The first-ever cinematic drone lighting of Slains Castle.
Historic Depth – A location tied to Gothic literary history.
Untamed Conditions – Captured in the narrow weather window before a North Atlantic storm.
Part of a Larger Vision – Upcoming work will include Sinclair Castle, Ardvreck Castle, and more.
For collectors, these limited-edition prints are available in archival fine art formats, bringing the drama and history of Scotland’s castles into your home or workspace.
