Balintore Castle

Balintore Castle stands on a moorland ridge above Balintore village in Angus, a few miles north of the Loch of Lintrathen. Built in the 19th century, it is a fine example of the Scottish Baronial style, with tall turreted towers and gables. The main tower once had a viewing platform with a balustrade, similar to Buchanan Castle. An oriel window that once graced the front is now missing. The castle was commissioned as a sporting lodge by David Lyon, MP, and designed by architect William Burn in 1859. The castle’s interior once included a great hall, a gallery, several bedrooms, and a dining room. There were also service rooms such as a butler’s pantry, a women servants’ sitting room, a brushing room, a beer cellar, and a lumber room. A library and a dinner service room were also part of the layout. The castle later fell into disuse, standing empty for decades after the 1960s. Now undergoing careful restoration, the castle has been rescued from decades of neglect. It had been placed on the Buildings at Risk Register for Scotland since 1990. Angus Council stepped in to purchase it from distant owners, and it is now being restored by a resident owner. The moorland setting remains wild and open, with views across the surrounding countryside.