Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens — Attraction in Scotland

Beautiful gardens, you cansr just a bit of the castle, since it has 100 rooms, in some the Grant family lives, and others that are exhibition were under repair. No photos can be taken inside. Mixed feelings. They have a very valuable, -seriously important- collection of Spanish art, in my opinion very neglected and undervalued. I have never been so close to a Velasquez, two or three Murillo, that are overwhelming, a Ribera that cuts your air, and halfway the anguish that grew, all there in a corridor, crowded together, with light from the window. With no explanation, more than it was about Spanish painters. And anger grew, that they do not know what they have, or do not care, that this is not an almanac that one piles up in the hallway to the kitchen. As I cannot stop being me, I asked the only guide, counselor and cashier, if they were the originals. Yes. They are original, and they are theirs ... what genius concept! the same argument that the Taliban have used to demolish ancient Buddhas, it is ours so we can do whatever we want ... God, no! These paintings are patrimony of the humanity and having them like this is a total lack of respect. She replies that she knows nothing about art and I said I know, that these paintings, for being irreproducible and of the greatest exponents of seventeenth century Spanish art, need a curator to accommodate and guard them, that the owners of the castle are the "tenants" but art Itself belongs to humanity. To culture heritage, to those that not born yet. Yes, but that's good, the Americans are coming soon ... Of course, as the Americans do not give a damn about plastic art either, and it seems that all that matters to Scottish tourism is to please the Americans, those "little paintings" that the great-great-grandfather bought, we throw them out there already. We put photos of the Queen and Washington's letter in the middle of the room. Then a messy library. We could not be happy watching the volumes I II XII and V and so o.on.on.Every collection 15th century Chinese porcelain fading in the window. Many modern renovations, supplementary ceiling, 80's wallpaper, lots of twentieth century additions. Much ignorance, laziness, on the part of the owners, to be honest. Anger, sadness, mixed feelings, because the castle is beautiful and the gardens too. But you have to overlook so many things to enjoy it, that I could not. We closed with mate...

In one word... SUPERB!!! 6 stars of 5 ;-) 👍 We already got a warm, friendly and personal welcome at the entrance. With the tickets came tips and some priceless humor. The grounds and castle are breathtakingly beautiful and kept to the highest of standards. After the excellent carpark there is a small childrens playground. First you can enjoy a brief history video in an extended building. Then one can either enjoy the magnificent gardens or lush interior. Walk the castle is allowed without guidance which is great so timing per room is no issue. The McPherson - Grant - Russell family history is presented lovely and the building is still in daily use. Connections with Raleigh bicycles, Craggenmore whiskey and Aberdeen Angus beef I leave for you to discover. Let's just say, they have been busy.

This all adds to the atmosphere and respect as you literally walking through someones private home. The finish and quality of it all is very high indeed and lovingly decorated. It's defenitely not an austere museum. Finally there is the shop annex tea room. The shop is nice but a bit generic. Food and drinks (sandwiches) however are delicious of which I do recommend the Aberdeen Angus. All in all an excellent place to visit and enjoy. Admission castle plus estate 11£50p pp....

Don't bother if you have a dog.... We came across a leaflet that described Ballindalloch as dog friendly, in my opinion they most certainly are not. After we had paid at the main kiosk, the lady gave us a map & then advised us that our dog was restricted to a small area of the grounds off the car park called the labyrinth. This meant we could not explore any of the castle, grounds, walks or even sit outside the cafe unless the dog was left unattended in the car, we were basically confined to the car park. The website actually suggests you leave your dog unattended in the car whilst on your visit. This is not an option for us, so my family & I had to visit the castle in relay. Ironically we met a local lady (in the car park) & her children who had just seen the owner of the property near the walk to the river, who's dogs were happily running around off the lead. We appreciate & expect restrictions to the property and gardens, but to not even be allowed to take the dog on a lead through any woodland or river walk around the grounds, & be expected to leave the dog unattended in a locked car left a very bitter taste. There is no doubt that the house & it's setting is beautiful, but i would not advise a visit if you are...