Balgonie Castle, glenrothes - Wee Guides to scotland castles and mansions

Wee Guides to Scotland
Balgonie Castle, Glenrothes

Goblinshead

130 Inveresk Rd
Musselburgh
EH21 7AY
SCOTLAND

Balgonie Castle consists of a fine 14th-century keep, with a crenellated battlement and corbiestepped gables. It stands in a courtyard enclosing ranges of buildings, many of which have been restored. The castle was built by the Sibbalds, who held the property from before 1246, but passed by marriage to Sir Robert Lundie, later Lord High Treasurer of Scotland. James IV visited the castle in 1496, as did Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1565. The property was sold in 1635 to Alexander Leslie, who fought for Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden during the 30 Years War, and was made a Field Marshal. Balgonie was captured and sacked by Rob Roy MacGregor and 200 clansmen in 1716. The castle changed hands several times, and became ruinous, but has been reoccupied and restored. Disabled access to ground floor. The castle has many ghosts including a 'Green Lady', recorded in 1842 as being a well-known phantom; a 17th-century soldier; a dog; and in the hall apparitions and ghostly voices have been witnessed.

Directions:	Off A911, 3.5 miles E of Glenrothes, Fife.
Ownership:	Pri/LA	01592 750119	Ord. Survey Map Ref:	NO 313007 59
Open:	Open daily 10.00am-5.00pm all year.
Key:	P WC £	Click Here for explanation of Key and other abbreviations

Fax: +44 (0) 131 653 6566 Tel: +44 (0) 131 665 2894
email: goblinshead@sol.co.uk