Balvaird Castle

Balvaird Castle is a ruined tower house and courtyard complex built for the Murray family in the 15th century, perhaps on the site of an earlier castle. The tower remains roofed and is not open to the public all the time, but access to the ruined 16th century courtyard ranges is free.

Sir Andrew Murray acquired Balvaird through marriage, and the oldest part of the castle, the great tower, dates from the end of the 15th century. The tower was then improved by the addition of a walled courtyard with gatehouse, and ranges of buildings around the courtyard. Additional walled enclosures to the south and east represent gardens forming part of the policies of the Murray palace, as it became. In the mid 17th century the Murrays moved out in favour of Scone, and in 1776, London, allowing Balvaird to decay. It remained in occupation of sorts into the 19th century.

Official Historic Scotland page

HES Canmore database entry