Victorian castle saved from ruin

Balintore Castle may not be the first building to occupy the site

A run down Victorian castle in Angus has been saved from possible collapse after the council stepped in to help.

Balintore Castle, which has lain empty for more than 40 years, was bought by Angus Council under its compulsory purchase powers.

The Grade A listed baronial sporting lodge, near Loch of Lintrathen, is now in the hands of a private developer, who intends to live in the building.

The castle was designed in 1859 by the prominent architect William Burn.

The new owner, David Johnston, is to carry out restoration work, including making the building watertight.

"I have been interested in a restoration project for some time and Balintore was always there as an amazing piece of architecture," he said.

"It seemed crazy that something quite so beautiful was abandoned."

Ancient maps

Terry Levinthal, director of the Scottish Civic Trust, said the castle could now be removed from the register which highlights buildings at risk and is operated on behalf of heritage agency Historic Scotland.

He said: "Even though the house was abandoned in the 1960s, it retains an essential architectural quality that merits its classification as a category A listed building, being of national importance."

There is also evidence that the castle may not the first building to occupy the site, according to ancient maps and this will be investigated through further survey work.

Angus Council infrastructure convener, David Selfridge, said: "Where necessary, the council will consider the use of the powers available under the planning legislation to save other historic buildings."