Former chairman of Tain and Easter Ross Civic Trust opens Ballone Castle near Portmahomack to public for Doors Open event
For Lachie Stewart, a man’s home really is his castle.
The former chairman of the Tain and Easter Ross Civic Trust and his wife Annie bought the ruins of Ballone Castle in the 1990s and set about turning it into a place they could call home.
And on Saturday 10 September they are inviting people through the doors of the historic building as part of an ‘Open Doors Day’ event. There will be conducted tours between 10am and 4pm. Admission is free although donations to the Trust are welcome.
The castle, which sits on the cliffs close to Portmahomack, was built in 1590 by the Dunbar family who owned Burgie Castle in Moray which is directly across the firth. It was an example of a medieval Z plan Tower House with a strong central tower and two further towers on opposite corners - one square and one round.
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It was sold to Sir Rorie MacKenzie of Coigach in 1623, when an extension was added to create a brewhouse and bakery. It was superseded as the main Mackenzie residence by the purchase of New Tarbat House in 1656 and it is believed that it was unoccupied from 1693.
The castle became roofless after the 1745 rebellion and by the mid-19th century had lost much of its fine detail. It continued to be neglected for nearly 300 years until the ruin was bought by Mr and Mrs Stewart who set about restoring it as a family home, creating a fusion of authentic medieval with 21st century features.
It is one of several properties in Ross-shire which will be involved in Doors Open Day.
