The 14th
century sandstone ashlar tower of Balgonie rises at the corner of a ruinous courtyard,
with the tower restored by David Maxwell in 1975. In 1985 the castle was sold to the
present owner, the artist and craftsman Raymond Morris.
The guided tour starts with
the three vaults on the ground floor of the 17th century Leslie block, home of
the Covenanter, Alexander Leslie, who was created Lord Balgonie and Earl of Leven. The
west vault was the kitchen, now a workshop. To the east are two linked vaults forming a
chapel, now with rescued pews. The upper floors are ruins.
Balgonie was originally built
by Sir John Sibbald and passed to his son-in-law, Sir Robert Lundie. In the 17th
century it was acquired by Alexander Leslie, whose family retained it until 1824. It was
then acquired by the Balfours, but allowed to become a ruin. Rob Roy MacGregor stayed here
with 200 clansmen in 1716. |
