Published in Scotland Magazine Issue 29 on 25/10/2006.

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The castle in the cow pasture

This issue Charles Douglas visits Ballindalloch Castle in Banffshire

Ballindalloch Castle in the fertile Spey Valley west of Aberdeen has, during the centuries, earned itself the title of the “Pearl of the North.” But it was not always so.

The original tower house was built in the 16th century for defence. The exact date is unknown, but the date 1546 is carved into a stone lintel in one of today’s bedrooms.

Constructed on the traditional Z-plan design, the building we see today has been much altered and enlarged, but still retains the character of a great Highland fortress/dwelling house.

Foundations from an earlier building suggest that it was intended for the hill above its present location. However, the story goes that the laird of the time attempted to build his castle three times on the hill, but each time it was mysteriously blown to the ground. The third time, during an almighty gale, a ghostly voice was heard to cry out: “Build in the coo-haugh,” and in the coo-haugh (cow pasture) it remains to this day.

The branch of the Grant family who settled at Ballindalloch prospered until the early 18th century when financial problems compelled them to sell the estate to their cousin Colonel William Grant, commander of one of the independent Highland regiments from which the Black Watch was formed. His cousin was General James Grant who fought in the American War of Independence and became Governor of Florida in 1763. Inheriting Ballindalloch in 1770, it was General James who built on the north wing especially to house his favourite French c.....

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By Charles Douglas

Section : Historic Houses

Page number : 14