The Braes of Castle Grant

The Steading- our self catering holiday cottage in the Scottish Highlands, lies on the Braes of Castle Grant approximately 2 miles from Grantown-on-Spey. Castle Grant (pictured above left by Ronnie Leask) is the 15 century ancestral home of the "Chiefs of the Grant Clan". Previously named Castle Freuchie (which means 'Heathery Place', or 'Castle of the Heather'), it became the principal residence of the Grants in 1693. Clan Grant, like many Highland clans, had divided loyalties regarding the monarchy, and the castle was occupied by Jacobites during both the 1715 and 1745 Jacobite Risings (during Sir Ludovic Grant's period of occupation 1743-1773).

As local legend has it, the ghost of Lady Barbara Grant, a daughter of one of the chiefs in the 16th century, is said to haunt the tower of the Castle. Lady Barbara Grant was said to have been entombed in the tower because she disobeyed her father's wishes in marriage. Work men working in the tower - known also as Babetts Tower - during refurbishment work in recent years, are said to have fled the Castle one evening after hearing footsteps, voices and a woman crying........ spooky!!!

In the middle of the 18th century, Sir Ludovic Grant married the daughter of the 5th Earl of Findlater and 2nd Earl of Seafield - James Ogilvie. Their son - Sir James Grant (inheriting the title of Earl of Seafield) founded the town of Grantown-on-Spey, and was the last chief to die in the Castle. Many years later on the death of the 11th Earl of Seafield, Castle Grant and the estate were inherited by Countess Nina. She was the last Grant to inhabit the Castle until in 1942 when dry rot forced her to move the Seafield residence of Cullen House - a Georgian mansion house.

The Castle, which has been extended over the years, was damaged by fire shortly after Countess Nina vacated the property and became derelict. Since then there have been a series of different owners, and following various rennovation works and plans to transform the Castle into a luxury resort, the Castle is now a privately occupied home.

The Castle and its beautiful grounds, are within minutes walk from our holiday cottage and can be accessed from either of the two beautiful gatehouses which are still occupied today (see right hand picture above). To see and experience the wonderful history of Castle Grant, book now to stay in our beautiful holiday rental cottage near Grantown-on-Spey in the Scottish Highlands. More information, including booking calender can be found on our website at http://www.ballieward-steading.co.uk/.