Home > Castles of Aberdeenshire and Scotland > Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens
Ballindalloch Castle, in the heart of Speyside, is affectionally known as the Pearl of the North due to its well-preserved beauty. Located amongst some stunning hills and with the nearby Rivers Spey and Avon, a visit to the Castle and its grounds and gardens makes this an ideal day out. You really should allow at least 4 hours to visit the estate.
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The Aberdeen skies are under attack from an enemy jet. It is spilling a strange yellow smoke. Minutes later, people start killing each other.
Former Royal Air Force Regiment Gunner Jason Harper witnesses this and then his wife, Pippa, telephones him, shouting that she needs him. They then get cut off. He sets straight out, unprepared for the nightmare that unfolds during his journey. Everyone seems to want to kill him.
Along the way, he pairs up with fellow survivor Imogen. But she enjoys killing the living dead far too much. Will she kill Jason in her blood thirst? Or will she hinder his journey through this zombie filled dystopian landscape to find his pregnant wife?
The Fence is the first in this series of post-apocalyptic military survival thrillers from the torturous mind of local horror and science fiction novel writer C.G. Buswell.
Download Now.
Buy the Paperback.
The original Ballindalloch Castle was located nearby and called Castle Stripe. Only low walls survive. The Ballindalloch family also built Tullochcarron in the 15th century which no longer survives. Both castles passed onto the Grants (cited in Castles of the Clans: The Strongholds and Seats of 750 Scottish Families and Clans
by Martin Coventry)
Ballindalloch Castle has been home to the Macpherson-Grant family since 1546 and they still own the Castle.
Building work on the Castle is thought to have begun in 1546 with construction of a traditionally Z plan building. The following Centuries saw extensions to the original tower house building.
Further repair work was undertaken following the Battle of Inverlochy in 1645 after the Castle was plundered and burned by the Marquis of Montrose.
Two further wings were added in 1770 by General James Grant.
A formal courtyard was added in 1850 and the entrance to the Castle was moved to the East Tower.
Nine more bedrooms were added in 1878 by Sir George Macpherson-Grant, though these were demolished in 1965 during restoration work.
There is no set tour times, nor a guide - you follow a pre determined route around the Castle rooms. Each room has wooden information sheets to read that explains the function of the room and key points. The Castle is filled with family memorabilia and collections.
Points of interest include the grand staircase of The Hall with its unusual umbrella design and fan vaulting, a collection of 18th Century china and a display of Scottish dirks.
The Castle Library has a fine collection of volumes which is reputed to be the best amongst country houses in Scotland.
The Great Hall is now used as the Dining Room and in 1850 the room was redesigned and panelled in American pine. The collection of silver cups was won by Sir George Macpherson-Grant for his world famous Aberdeen Angus cattle.
Have you seen my beautiful golden retriever Lynne out and about in Aberdeen? Ask her for a high-five! She's a Bravehound PTSD assistance dog, so we'll often be in shops, restaurants, and the cinema together.
We've written a book where I talk about growing up in Aberdeen and then joining the army to be a medic and nurse, and developing military Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
I also talk about losing my son to suicide and the therapy I have had at Royal Cornhill Hospital and grief support groups in Aberdeen.
The author, Damien Lewis, said of Lynne:
"A powerful account of what one dog means to one man on his road to recovery. Both heart-warming and life-affirming. Bravo Chris and Lynne. Bravo Bravehound."
Download.
Buy the paperback.
An army veteran moves his family back to his Aberdeenshire home, but his nightmare neighbour starts a battle of wits with him. Who will win this One Last War?
Buy this latest novel by local author C.G. Buswell on Kindle or Paperback.
Advertise Here from just £70.
There used to be another Ballindalloch Castle in Scotland and it is now a mansion house located one mile west of Balfron in Stirlingshire. It belonged to the Cunninghams of Glencairn then passed to the Dunmore family by the 18th century and then to the Coopers in the 19th century. (cited in Castles of the Clans: The Strongholds and Seats of 750 Scottish Families and Clans by Martin Coventry).
There have been several ghosts sighted at Ballindalloch Castle. These include a green lady and a pink lady in the dining room.
General James Grant, who died in 1806, is said to still ride around the lands, inspecting his beloved Castle. After he has done this, his spirit heads to the wine cellar!
Just outside the Castle entrance is a bonnie rock garden with a wee spring running through it.
The walled garden is a relaxing highlight of the visit.
By the large car park is an area for dogs to be walked.
The Aberdeen Angus of Ballindalloch cattle herd are the oldest herd in the world. You can walk past them grazing near the River Spey. Venture further down to the river for some stunning views and hear the tranquil slow tumble of the River. There are some benches for picnics.
Do look out for an amusing sign by the field for the cattle, it reads:
Admission Free. The Bull Will Charge You Later!
The Castle Shop sells a range of Scottish crafts, books and gifts, including the book, I Love Food by Clare Macpherson-Grant Russell. View more details about the recipe book.
The shop has a cafe which sells a delicious range of cakes, snacks and drinks.
Located beside the shop is an auditorium which pre plays a video about the Castle, grounds, gardens and estate.
The Castle has a 9 and 18 hole golf course and other estate country sports include fishing and shooting.
How To Get To Ballindalloch Castle
From Aberdeen take the A96 to Keith, then follow the A95.
Contact Address, Telephone Number And Website For Ballindalloch Castle
Ballindalloch Castle
Banffshire
Scotland
AB37 9AX
Tel: (01807) 500206
Website: www.ballindallochcastle.co.uk
More Scottish Castles.
Ballindalloch Castle
Ballindalloch Castle, in the heart of Speyside, is affectionally known as the Pearl of the North due to its well-preserved beauty. Located amongst some stunning hills and with the nearby Rivers Spey and Avon, a visit to the Castle and its grounds and gardens makes this an ideal day out. You really should allow at least 4 hours to visit the estate.
Follow us on: Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
Contact Me.
My new novel:
The Aberdeen skies are under attack from an enemy jet. It is spilling a strange yellow smoke. Minutes later, people start killing each other.
Former Royal Air Force Regiment Gunner Jason Harper witnesses this and then his wife, Pippa, telephones him, shouting that she needs him. They then get cut off. He sets straight out, unprepared for the nightmare that unfolds during his journey. Everyone seems to want to kill him.
Along the way, he pairs up with fellow survivor Imogen. But she enjoys killing the living dead far too much. Will she kill Jason in her blood thirst? Or will she hinder his journey through this zombie filled dystopian landscape to find his pregnant wife?
The Fence is the first in this series of post-apocalyptic military survival thrillers from the torturous mind of local horror and science fiction novel writer C.G. Buswell.
Download Now.
Buy the Paperback.
The History Of Ballindalloch Castle
The original Ballindalloch Castle was located nearby and called Castle Stripe. Only low walls survive. The Ballindalloch family also built Tullochcarron in the 15th century which no longer survives. Both castles passed onto the Grants (cited in Castles of the Clans: The Strongholds and Seats of 750 Scottish Families and Clans
by Martin Coventry) Ballindalloch Castle has been home to the Macpherson-Grant family since 1546 and they still own the Castle.
Building work on the Castle is thought to have begun in 1546 with construction of a traditionally Z plan building. The following Centuries saw extensions to the original tower house building.
Further repair work was undertaken following the Battle of Inverlochy in 1645 after the Castle was plundered and burned by the Marquis of Montrose.
Two further wings were added in 1770 by General James Grant.
A formal courtyard was added in 1850 and the entrance to the Castle was moved to the East Tower.
Nine more bedrooms were added in 1878 by Sir George Macpherson-Grant, though these were demolished in 1965 during restoration work.
Tour Of Ballindalloch Castle
There is no set tour times, nor a guide - you follow a pre determined route around the Castle rooms. Each room has wooden information sheets to read that explains the function of the room and key points. The Castle is filled with family memorabilia and collections. Points of interest include the grand staircase of The Hall with its unusual umbrella design and fan vaulting, a collection of 18th Century china and a display of Scottish dirks.
The Castle Library has a fine collection of volumes which is reputed to be the best amongst country houses in Scotland.
The Great Hall is now used as the Dining Room and in 1850 the room was redesigned and panelled in American pine. The collection of silver cups was won by Sir George Macpherson-Grant for his world famous Aberdeen Angus cattle.
Have you seen my beautiful golden retriever Lynne out and about in Aberdeen? Ask her for a high-five! She's a Bravehound PTSD assistance dog, so we'll often be in shops, restaurants, and the cinema together.
We've written a book where I talk about growing up in Aberdeen and then joining the army to be a medic and nurse, and developing military Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
I also talk about losing my son to suicide and the therapy I have had at Royal Cornhill Hospital and grief support groups in Aberdeen.
The author, Damien Lewis, said of Lynne:
"A powerful account of what one dog means to one man on his road to recovery. Both heart-warming and life-affirming. Bravo Chris and Lynne. Bravo Bravehound."
Download.
Buy the paperback.
An army veteran moves his family back to his Aberdeenshire home, but his nightmare neighbour starts a battle of wits with him. Who will win this One Last War?
Buy this latest novel by local author C.G. Buswell on Kindle or Paperback.
Advertise Here from just £70.
There used to be another Ballindalloch Castle in Scotland and it is now a mansion house located one mile west of Balfron in Stirlingshire. It belonged to the Cunninghams of Glencairn then passed to the Dunmore family by the 18th century and then to the Coopers in the 19th century. (cited in Castles of the Clans: The Strongholds and Seats of 750 Scottish Families and Clans
by Martin Coventry). The Ghosts Of Ballindalloch Castle
There have been several ghosts sighted at Ballindalloch Castle. These include a green lady and a pink lady in the dining room.
General James Grant, who died in 1806, is said to still ride around the lands, inspecting his beloved Castle. After he has done this, his spirit heads to the wine cellar!
Ballindalloch Castle Gardens
Just outside the Castle entrance is a bonnie rock garden with a wee spring running through it.
The walled garden is a relaxing highlight of the visit.
By the large car park is an area for dogs to be walked.
Ballindalloch Castle Aberdeen Angus Cattle
The Aberdeen Angus of Ballindalloch cattle herd are the oldest herd in the world. You can walk past them grazing near the River Spey. Venture further down to the river for some stunning views and hear the tranquil slow tumble of the River. There are some benches for picnics.
Do look out for an amusing sign by the field for the cattle, it reads:
Admission Free. The Bull Will Charge You Later!
The Castle Shop sells a range of Scottish crafts, books and gifts, including the book, I Love Food by Clare Macpherson-Grant Russell. View more details about the recipe book.
The shop has a cafe which sells a delicious range of cakes, snacks and drinks.
Located beside the shop is an auditorium which pre plays a video about the Castle, grounds, gardens and estate.
The Castle has a 9 and 18 hole golf course and other estate country sports include fishing and shooting.
How To Get To Ballindalloch Castle
From Aberdeen take the A96 to Keith, then follow the A95.
Contact Address, Telephone Number And Website For Ballindalloch Castle
Ballindalloch Castle
Banffshire
Scotland
AB37 9AX
Tel: (01807) 500206
Website: www.ballindallochcastle.co.uk
More Scottish Castles.
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