Holiday homes in Dracula’s castle?

A crumbling castle thought to have been the inspiration for the Dracula story is set to be turned into holiday homes – despite claims that such a move will “drive a stake” through its historical charm. Bram Stoker, author of the legendary book, was staying near Slains Castle, north-east Scotland, while he wrote part of the story in 1895. The bleak, imposing building has been derelict for the best part of 100 years but has continued to attract sightseers since then, mainly because of its association with the Dracula legend. According to the Daily Telegraph, the local authority yesterday approved plans to turn the building into 35 holiday apartments. Councillors reportedly argued that if the building is left alone, it will crumble into the sea, but one resident is quoted as saying that the proposals would “drive a stake through the castle’s historical charm”. The plan, which would see the exterior of the castle refurbished to its original form, will now go before the Scottish Executive, the Telegraph reports. Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd