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The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
See inside the 'forgotten' stunning 'fairytale' castle in Scotland
Sir John Macdonald, who commanded the land forces in Scotland, also built much of the nearby village of Kinloch Rannoch, including its Episcopal Church and the MacDonald Arms Hotel (now the Dunalastair Hotel Suites). See the abandoned 'fairytale' castle in Scotland that has been 'forgotten' In 1881, the estate in Scotland was sold by Alastair Macdonald, son of Sir John, to Hugh Tennent. It was then bought by James Clark Bunten, Chairman of the Caledonian Railway Company, according to the Dunalastair Estate website. The Perthshire house itself, which was designed by local architect Andrew Heiton, was only used for its original purpose until the First World War, when the staff needed to run the large estate were no longer available. During the Second World War, the property was requisitioned and used as a Polish school. During this time, the castle suffered major damage and saw the loss of its Millais painting when a fire broke out in the drawing room. Dunalastair House was built in the 19th century (Image: Getty Images) In the 1950s, the contents of the house were sold off after the late owner's grandmother passed away. The house was then badly vandalised in the 1960s when lead from the roof was stolen and other easily removable parts were taken. Nowadays, the site lies in a ruinous state, but, despite this, it has been described as a "forgotten treasure" by the Tartan and Teacups blog and an "incredible" castle by The Bearded Explorer on YouTube. Recommended Reading: Those coming here can still see the coat of arms over one of the entrances, while the skeleton of the "impressive" ruin remains intact. In one section of the former home, a tree can be seen growing through one of the doorways. The inside of the building appears to be precarious to traverse, with the vlogger saying: "This is probably the most dangerous site I have ever explored."
The National
4 days ago
- General
- The National
See inside the 'forgotten' stunning 'fairytale' castle in Scotland
Purchased by the McDonald Family in 1853, the original home was demolished to make way for the present structure, which now lies as a ruin. Sir John Macdonald, who commanded the land forces in Scotland, also built much of the nearby village of Kinloch Rannoch, including its Episcopal Church and the MacDonald Arms Hotel (now the Dunalastair Hotel Suites). See the abandoned 'fairytale' castle in Scotland that has been 'forgotten' In 1881, the estate in Scotland was sold by Alastair Macdonald, son of Sir John, to Hugh Tennent. It was then bought by James Clark Bunten, Chairman of the Caledonian Railway Company, according to the Dunalastair Estate website. The Perthshire house itself, which was designed by local architect Andrew Heiton, was only used for its original purpose until the First World War, when the staff needed to run the large estate were no longer available. During the Second World War, the property was requisitioned and used as a Polish school. During this time, the castle suffered major damage and saw the loss of its Millais painting when a fire broke out in the drawing room. Dunalastair House was built in the 19th century (Image: Getty Images) In the 1950s, the contents of the house were sold off after the late owner's grandmother passed away. The house was then badly vandalised in the 1960s when lead from the roof was stolen and other easily removable parts were taken. Nowadays, the site lies in a ruinous state, but, despite this, it has been described as a "forgotten treasure" by the Tartan and Teacups blog and an "incredible" castle by The Bearded Explorer on YouTube. Recommended Reading: Those coming here can still see the coat of arms over one of the entrances, while the skeleton of the "impressive" ruin remains intact. In one section of the former home, a tree can be seen growing through one of the doorways. The inside of the building appears to be precarious to traverse, with the vlogger saying: "This is probably the most dangerous site I have ever explored."
Daily Record
01-08-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Abandoned Scottish mansion once home of head of Tennent's reclaimed by nature
The property dates back all the way to the 1850s. New photographs show a ruined Scottish castle that was once home to the head of Tennent's brewery. As seen in the images, the once-grand property is being reclaimed by nature. Dunalastair House is situated in a green setting in the southern Highlands, 18 miles from the Perthshire town of Pitlochry. However, the recent photos show it as a shadow of its former self. The property was built in 1859 by local architect Andrew Heiton. It was originally the home of General Sir John Macdonald, who commanded land forces in Scotland. In the early 1880s, Sir John's son Alastair sold the property to Hugh Tennent—the great-great-grandson of the Wellpark Brewery founder of the same name. Now known as Tennent's Brewery, it produces the best-selling beer in Scotland. Tennent owned the mansion for just nine years, before he died at age 27. During World War Two, Dunalastair House was used as a school for the children of Polish refugees. However, the property experienced a catastrophic fire that destroyed a valuable painting by John Everett Millais. It fell into disuse by 1952, before its contents were sold at auction two years after. The abandoned Dunalastair House later became a hotspot for vandals in the 1960s. When thieves stole the lead from the roof, the building quickly fell into a state of decay. After this, deer fences were constructed around the property to keep potential trespassers out. Today, the imposing structure has been taken over by trees, nettles, and bracken. Many proposals to restore the mansion have been made. However, none have succeeded because of the price and extent of the repairs needed. More On History Heritage Homes and property Beer Photography
Edinburgh Reporter
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Edinburgh Reporter
‘Sonians build up to milestone with historic kit display
Watsonians have stepped up preparations for their 150th year with a display of kit worn through the years. The display took place in the club's Myreside pavilion and saw former players and current members come together to adorn and admire variations of the famous maroon and white kit worn by an organisation officially known as the 'Watsonian Football Club.' Every kit tells a story and sparks memories both on and off the pitch, and the opportunity was created for newer members to hear about the 'Sonians' that came before them, and for some of the club's greats to be remembered for their contributions. From recent triumphs like the Sarah Beaney Cup victories to the rich history of rugby legends who proudly wore the Watsonians crest, the significance of The Watsonian Football Club was brought to life through a remarkable collection of classic jerseys, many of which were rediscovered after years tucked away in attics and drawers. These kits serve as powerful reminders of the club's lasting impact on generations of players and supporters over the past 150 years. Marking its 150th year, The Watsonian Football Club is committed to reigniting and energising the community that has shaped its storied journey. A series of ongoing celebratory events and initiatives will complement the club's on-field achievements, including four successful senior teams and a thriving youth section. With a framed shirt by his side former club captain, John Macdonald, reflected on his time playing Watsonian rugby. He said: 'This is all very nostalgic. I remember that at my peak, we were playing Melrose with a crowd of 7,500 watching. My sons still think I am winding them up when I bring it up, but they've seen some of the old footage. It was a different day, a different game, and obviously things move on, but it was a really golden period to be a part of the club.' The game of rugby and the landscape of the sport in Scotland continue to be ever-changing, but The Watsonian Football Club has been able to enjoy its long history by adapting and growing with the game. Notable ways that the club has done so in recent times include the introduction of a Watsonian Women's team in the late '90s and success being enjoyed at the semi-professional level with the introduction of the now disbanded Super Series. Kath Vass, a stalwart of Watsonian women's rugby for 17 years, added: 'When we won the top league in Scottish women's rugby it was something truly special. Being able to bring the trophy to Myreside is something that I will never forget. When I joined what was known as Watsonian Ladies in the year 2000, it was perfect. Having previously played elsewhere but living a stone's throw from Myreside, I was welcomed with open arms and immediately wowed by the community and professionalism of the club.' Departing club captain and Super Series winner Neil Irvine-Hess reflected: 'Having played for Watsonians as a teen, I returned to the club in 2022 after a stint in the Borders. It was an honour to get asked to captain the Super Series team two years ago, and it's something that I have taken seriously ever since. It is special and helps you appreciate the long history of the club. When I finish playing, I will look back with pride on my name being amongst so many great Watsonians players. The community at Watsonians is brilliant, from being dragged to the ground by the minis at a family day to winning the Super Series Championship, it is special to be part of The Watsonian Football Club's history.' The club's celebrated roster boasts over seventy Scottish internationalists, including the likes of Scott and Gavin Hastings. Recent achievements include the women's team's televised victories, and evolution into Watsonians Women in 2019, reflecting a progressive stride towards inclusivity. Noteworthy is the club's multicultural ethos, with players hailing from over 15 countries, fostering a spirit of unity. Watsonian Football Club embodies tradition, resilience, and inclusivity, inspiring generations on and off the field. The club's ethos extends beyond the field, with a diverse player base representing over 15 countries, embodying the spirit of inclusivity and camaraderie. Furthermore, the decision to retire the number eight shirt in honour of the late former member Keri Holdsworth exemplifies Watsonians' commitment to remembrance and respect. Centrepiece of the 150th anniversary will be a gala dinner in November. Kath Vass Neil Irvine-Hess John Macdonald Like this: Like Related
