A six-figure crowdfunder has been launched in the latest stage of one man’s mission to restore a spectacular castle in the remote Angus glens.
Balintore Castle has been an all-consuming labour of love for Dr David Johnston since Angus Council sold him the 50-roomed Victorian Gothic building half way up Cat Law, north of Kirriemuir, in 2007.
The one-time sporting lodge was at the centre of a compulsory purchase wrangle before Mr Johnston finally secured the dilapidated A-listed property, and the past 13 years have seen the academic painstakingly tackle the mammoth project as time and finances allow.
Mr Johnston reckons restoration of the castle’s Great Hall could itself soak up £1million, but is hopeful his determination so far will see the job done for much less.
He said: I bought this A-listed property on condition that I save the building.
“This has now been achieved: the roof has been fixed, new floors and new windows
have been installed.
“However, at the very heart of the building lies the cavernous, magnificent and sadly ruinous Great Hall, which is too costly for me to restore as an individual.
“I would love to be able to restore this room in my lifetime and friends
have repeatedly pestered me to obtain external funding. Now that I have consolidated the exterior of the castle, at great personal cost, the time is indeed right.”
The restoration enthusiast said he hopes the triple height space could be used as a music venue, theatre, cinema, or to host weddings.
“Not only does it represent internationally-important architectural heritage, but it could be a great community resource,” added Mr Johnston.
Mr Johnston hopes the experience so far of using local craftsmen and reclaimed materials will see the Great Hall project progress.
“A particular challenge will be the plaster-work ceiling, of which around
50% survives. The plan is to use the opportunity to train apprentices
and local tradesmen in the traditional skills, to ensure their continuation,” he said.
“I appreciate £100k is a big ask, but for an individual to take on such a large project was also a big ask.
International donations have already been made to the crowdfunder and Mr Johnston hopes to be able to welcome contributors to the castle.
Balintore was originally built as a sporting lodge after renowned Victorian architect William Burn was commissioned by David Lyon, a Tory politician who made his fortune through the East India Company.
It remained in the Lyon family after his death in 1872 and was subsequently only used during the shooting season. Subsequently sold, it fell into increasing disrepair and dereliction from the 1960s after absentee owners left it to be ravaged by rot.
