An early rise is often rewarded by the most beautiful light. Arriving here, on the Aberdeenshire coast before 6am to catch this majestic ruined castle’s features as sun broke on a May morning was well worth the effort.

Dunnottar Catsle was most likely fortified as Scotland was formed out of several kingdoms into the united Kingdom of Alba, but it is best known as the place where the Honours of Scotland (the Scottish crown jewels) were hidden from Oliver Cromwell’s invading army in the 17th century. It is said that the Honours were smuggled out of the castle, directly under Cromwell’s unsuspecting nose, by six women.