Ballindalloch
is a particularly fine building, lovingly cared for by the Russell and Macpherson-Grant
families. Historically a Grant seat, it became Macpherson-Grant, until the daughter
married Oliver Russell. Their son, Guy, has assumed the surname Macpherson-Grant to
continue the family name.
The corner tower, which formed
a Z-plan castle, was probably built in 1546, which date appears on a fireplace. Since then
the castle has been extended a number of times – in 1770, 1850 and 1878. The last
extension was removed in 1965.
A delightful confection of
turrets and dormer windows, Ballindalloch opens a wide selection of rooms to the public.
From the entrance hall, with its umbrella ceiling, one enters the drawing room and then
the Laird’s Smoking Room. The library has a very fine collection of over 2,500
volumes. The dining room is located in what was the great hall of the original tower and
the panelling of pine and the ceiling plasterwork are copied from casts of the ceiling at
Craigievar.
The tour continues through the
nursery, the Pink Tower (reputedly haunted), the Old Tower with its spiral staircase which
changes direction halfway up and the dungeon passage. The ghost of General James Grant who
drinks from the wine cellar located in the old dungeon, which still has its heavy door and
massive padlock, also haunts the latter corridor. The castle displays a spectacular
collection of paintings, furniture and antiques throughout.
The grounds are extensive,
with the lawns spreading down to the confluence of the Avon and Spey. The doocot is dated
1696 and has 844 nest boxes. Craftsmen work in various buildings on the estate, and there
is an audio-visual room. |
