Castles & Towers of Scotland

BALVENIE CASTLE

Balvenie is entered through an unusual double-leafed yett. The pend passes through the 4^th Earl of Atholl’s Lodging, which has a fine round tower at the external corner and a smaller stair turret in the inner re-entrant. The cobbled courtyard is surrounded by buildings, some more ruinous than others.

The Comyns built the original castle, known as Mortlach, in the 12^th century. Part of this may survive in the present courtyard, but alterations were made to it over the centuries. In the 16^th century Balvenie was extended by the addition of a domestic block (to the left of the entrance). The Atholl lodging was added to the right of this between 1547-57, the windows having decorative stonework and small orioles at second floor level. There are heraldic panels on the walls. The ruinous west range probably dates from the 15^th century and then contained a kitchen, brewhouse, and great chamber with the hall above. Only low walls of these buildings survive. In the courtyard is a deep well.

Balvenie was originally a Comyn seat, followed by the Douglas’s, but in 1470 it was granted to John Stewart, later 1^st Earl of Atholl. Mary, Queen of Scots stayed in 1562. The castle remained in Stewart hands until 1610 after which it had numerous owners until bought by Alexander Duff. The castle was used as a garrison during the Jacobite rebellion but was abandoned following Culloden, as Duff had erected a classical Balvenie House nearby in 1724. The Duke of Fife placed the castle in state care in 1929.