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One-man restoration mission launches £100k crowdfunder for Great Hall project at spectacular Angus castle

Balintore sits north of Kirriemuir.
Balintore sits north of Kirriemuir.

A six-figure crowdfunder has been launched in the latest stage of one man’s mission to restore a spectacular castle in the remote Angus glens.

Balintore Castle has been an all-consuming labour of love for Dr David Johnston since Angus Council sold him the 50-roomed Victorian Gothic building half way up Cat Law, north of Kirriemuir, in 2007.

The one-time sporting lodge was at the centre of a compulsory purchase wrangle before Mr Johnston finally secured the dilapidated A-listed property, and the past 13 years have seen the academic painstakingly tackle the mammoth project as time and finances allow.

The castle was a spectacular sporting lodge in its heyday.

He has charted progress in an online blog and, after reaching the milestone of completing the roof, floors and windows of Balintore, has now launched the £100,000 campaign to complete the restoration and realise the dream of turning the 1860 property into a setting which could host community and cultural events.

Mr Johnston reckons restoration of the castle’s Great Hall could itself soak up £1million, but is hopeful his determination so far will see the job done for much less.

He said: I bought this A-listed property on condition that I save the building.

“This has now been achieved: the roof has been fixed, new floors and new windows
have been installed.

“However, at the very heart of the building lies the cavernous, magnificent and sadly ruinous Great Hall, which is too costly for me to restore as an individual.

The Great Hall in 2007.

“I would love to be able to restore this room in my lifetime and friends
have repeatedly pestered me to obtain external funding.  Now that I have consolidated the exterior of the castle, at great personal cost, the time is indeed right.”

The restoration enthusiast said he hopes the triple height space could be used as a music venue, theatre, cinema, or to host weddings.

“Not only does it represent internationally-important architectural heritage, but it could be a great community resource,” added Mr Johnston.

Mr Johnston hopes the experience so far of using local craftsmen and reclaimed materials will see the Great Hall project progress.

The Great Hall in 2020.

“A particular challenge will be the plaster-work ceiling, of which around
50% survives. The plan is to use the opportunity to train apprentices
and local tradesmen in the traditional skills, to ensure their continuation,” he said.

“I appreciate £100k is a big ask, but for an individual to take on such a large project was also a big ask.

International donations have already been made to the crowdfunder and Mr Johnston hopes to be able to welcome contributors to the castle.

Great Hall from ground level.

Balintore was originally built as a sporting lodge after renowned Victorian architect William Burn was commissioned by David Lyon, a Tory politician who made his fortune through the East India Company.

It remained in the Lyon family after his death in 1872 and was subsequently only used during the shooting season. Subsequently sold, it fell into increasing disrepair and dereliction from the 1960s after absentee owners left it to be ravaged by rot.

The Go Fund Me campaign can be supported here.