Balvaird Castle

This is located on a hilltop in the Ochil Hills off the A912 about three miles from Glenfarg (Scottish Gaelic: Gleann Fairg) which is off the M90 south from Perth in Perthshire. Construction of Balvaird Castle was started in about 1500 as a residence for Sir Andrew Murray who was the younger son of the Murrays of Tullibardine. The family successors in time became dukes of Atholl a title that is held by the head of Clan Murray (Scottish Gaelic: Clann Mhuirich). The castle was extended over the years before taking its final shape. It is thought that traces of earthen ramparts on the slope leading to the castle are from an earlier castle. The present castle covered a wide area, with an outer courtyard in front of the entrance had extensive walled gardens around it.  The tower house stood at the north-west corner of the main barmkin. It was flanked by more buildings around the inner courtyard. An outer courtyard was added in front of the main gate. A further courtyard south of the main one was a garden. A walled area to the north-east was an orchard.

The castle is very impressive and situated in a beautiful location. There is a special atmosphere here and a visit to Balvaird Castle is recommended. It is noted as being a very good and complete example of a medieval Scottish Tower House. The name Balvaird comes from the Scottish Gaelic Baile a' Bhàird which can be translated into English as ‘Township of the Bard’.