Dating back to the Iron Age, Stonehaven is only 16 miles from Aberdeen. The many things for visitors to see and do here makes it easy to see why this sheltered town has become a popular tourist destination in the Grampian Highlands. It is the birthplace of R.W. Thompson, the inventor of the fountain pen and as early as the 19
th century, Stonehaven was the favourite vacation destination of Robert Burns. If you are driving, you can reach this town using either A90 or A94 and by train, it is on the main rail route from Aberdeen to Glasgow and Edinburgh via Perth.
Walk the beautiful beach where the large cliffs at each end provide sheltered rock pools and inlets. Take a refreshing dip in Stonehaven's Open Air Swimming Pool – the last of its kind in Scotland. It is over 60 years old and has been the training pool for many Olympic swimmers. It is open during the day and has walled in terraces and lounge chairs. There are two waterslides and refreshment stands as well as a café. Take a midnight swim on Wednesday nights and there are also BBQ's held here on Saturday nights, complete with live music and a licensed bar.
If you plan to visit Stonehaven, why not choose New Year's Eve as the time of your visit. This is the time of the world–famous Fireball Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors. Processions of fireball swinging participants enjoy bringing the ancient ritual of purification to life and the result is nothing short of being spectacular. A word of warning, though, should you choose to attend this celebration. This is not an event where you wear your best clothes. The sparks flying around often cause small burn holes and of course, the soot will make your clothes dirty.
Visit the Tolbooth on the quay to learn about the local history and the fishery of Stonehaven. This museum is home to an impressive exhibition featuring a 420 million year old fossil. You can't leave without a visit to Dunnottar Castle, which dates back to the 13
th century and is one of the most spectacular castle ruins in Scotland. If you are a birdwatcher, then you will really feel as if you are in paradise with a visit to the RSPB reserve at Fowlsheugh. This is the largest seabird colony in Britain and it is the natural habitat of many species of wildlife.
Along with the sights and sounds of Stonehaven, you will thoroughly enjoy the friendliness and hospitality of the people that live here. The breathtaking beauty provides perfect photo–taking opportunities at every turn. There are ample accommodations and restaurants in Stonehaven, but if you plan to be here during the busy tourist seasons, you should make your reservations in advance.