15th Century castle opens doors for first time in decade after Outlander role
The castle has a story or two to tell
A 15th Century castle is opening its doors to the public for the first time in more than a decade after a successful starring role in hit television series Outlander.
Balvaird Castle sits in Glen Farg, south of Bridge of Earn, Perth and Kinross and featured in last year’s Outlander prequel Blood of my Blood.
The towerhouse was depicted as the ancestral seat of Simon Fraser, 11th Lord Lovat, who was beheaded at the Tower of London for his role in the 1745 Jacobite rising, in the show.
Known as the Old Fox given his double dealings between the Jacobites and the British state, Lord Lovat is depicted as the grandfather of lead character Jamie Fraser in the show with Balvaird twinning as his home, Castle Leathers.
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Now, Balvaird is opening up for tours to seize on the ‘Outlander effect’ and capitalise on refreshed interest in the property.
Anne-Marie O'Reilly, Regional Visitor and Community Manager for Central Scotland at HES, said: “Balvaird Castle is visually stunning, and it’s entirely understandable that it landed a starring role on Outlander: Blood of my Blood! The castle has so much to offer, from wonderful scenery to its fascinating history, and we’re excited to welcome visitors inside for the first time in over 10 years.”
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HES described Balvaird as an “exceptional late 15th century tower house” which offered its owners, the Murray family, the height of architectural sophistication and luxury when it was first built in 1495.
READ MORE: The Scottish tourist attractions that have witnessed soaring visitor numbers after Outlander roles
It was likely built by Sir Andrew Murray of Tullibardine, who acquired the land by marriage to Margaret Barclay.
The Murrays enjoyed growing social status after taking on Balvaird and were great beneficiaries of Royal favour following the Gowrie Conspiracy of August 5, 1600 when King James VI was taken to Gowrie House in Perth by John Ruthven, the 3rd Earl of Gowrie, and his brother Alexander.
It is said that an attempt was made on the king’s life, with Sir David Murray of Gosperties and the Master of Tullibardine rescuing the king in an incident with led to the deaths of both brothers.
Sir David Murray received the former Ruthven estates at Scone - which later became Scone Palace - as reward in foiling the so-called conspiracy and was eventually created Viscount Stormont. The Lord of Tullibardine was granted the bulk of the Gowrie lands west of Perth.
Visitors to Balvaird can enjoy stunning views from the roof walk and hear stories about the Murray family and life in the 16th century on tours.
Conservation works are ongoing at the castle, with the tour requiring each visitor to wear a hardhat and high-visibility vest.
Outlander is now in its eight and final series, with the show providing a sustained and profitable tourist boom in Scotland.
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The time-travelling romantic tale fuelled a surge in interest and trips from the North American and French and German visitor markets to Scotland.
Doune Castle, which features as Leoch Castle in the show, has experienced a 200 to 300 per cent increase in tourism since the launch of Outlander. Meanwhile, Blackness Castle in Fort William has also experienced a large rise in visitors after character Jamie Fraser, played by Scottish actor Sam Heughan, was incarcerated there in series one.
Newhailes House, near Edinburgh, which featured in Season 4 of Outlander as Governor Tryon's North Carolina residence, reported a 6,000 per cent rise in popularity.
Tours are available at Balvaird on selected dates until Saturday, August 22. More details are available on the HES website.
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