Balgonie Castle

Balgonie Castle Details

Balgonie Castle; C14 tower and courtyard of the Sibbalds and Lundies, abandoned C19.

  • Closest To: Glenrothes, Buckhaven
  • Access: No Access
  • Grid Reference: NO313007

Balgonie Castle is a partially restored tower and courtyard on a river cliff overlooking the River Leven east of Glenrothes. It has a special place in my heart because it was where my wife and I were married in 2006, although it sadly no longer functions as a venue.

The oldest part of the castle is the tower, which dates from the late 14th or early 15th century and was built for Sir Thomas Sibbald, the royal treasurer of King James II. In the latter 15th century Helen Sibbald inherited Balgonie, which she took to her new husband Robert Lundie, who extended the castle in about 1496, by which time the courtyard wall had also been erected. In the 17th century the estate was held by Sir Alexander Leslie, who was to be created earl of Leven in time. In 1666 the great staircase was added to make access between the floors more convenient.

In 1716, Balgonie was plundered by Rob Roy MacGregor, the earl having been a prominent opponent of both Charles II and James II, and been a Commissioner for the Pacification of the Highlands in 1689. By 1712 he had been removed from military office, and presumably had lost a degree of influence – but he was still well-hated by Jacobites it would appear. The 8th earl sold the castle in 1824, and by 1840 it was roofless and left to decay. Restoration started in 1971 and continues to this day.

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