Ballindalloch

Ballindalloch Castle

Jun 6

Dancing Traveller Days

Other Scottish Country Dances for this Day

Dancing Traveller Days

Ballindalloch

Today's Musings, History & Folklore

"Ballindalloch Castle, the Pearl of the North, stands as a serene and elegant testament to Scottish history, where every stone tells a tale and every room whispers of the past."

~ Paul Theroux

Whisper, whisper and dance, dance! If your dancing travels take you to Speyside, the beautiful Ballindalloch Castle awaits! If this is not yet on your itinerary, you can still explore different locations through the choreographer of travelling devisors! This 32 bar for 3 couples in a 4 couple set strathspey was devised by John Drewry. Petronella and meander, both clockwise and anticlockwise, around the castle grounds in dance form!

In the heart of Speyside, Ballindalloch Castle traces its origins to 1546 when it was built by Clan Grant. Remarkably, it has remained in the same family for more than 450 years. Originally constructed as a Z-shaped fortress to defend against invaders, the castle evolved over the centuries into an elegant example of Scottish Baronial architecture with Victorian influences, surrounded by magnificent gardens.

Its long history has seen Jacobite involvement, the sacking and burning of the castle, damage from a devastating flood, and ultimately its transformation into the gracious Victorian mansion seen today. Ballindalloch was also the ancestral home of W. E. Johns, creator of the famous Biggles adventure stories. His fictional hero, James Bigglesworth—better known simply as Biggles—began as a World War I fighter pilot before embarking on countless adventures as an aviator, detective, and globe-trotting hero.

Today, Ballindalloch Castle is renowned for its beautifully maintained gardens, impressive collection of Spanish art, its whisky distillery, and the estate's role in breeding the world-famous Aberdeen Angus cattle! 🕺 💃 💚 🤍 🖤 💚 🏰 🐂 🐂 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 🥃 🌹

Ballindalloch

Ballindalloch Castle, often referred to as the "Pearl of the North," is a historic Scottish castle located in Banffshire, Scotland. Constructed in 1546, it has been the continuous residence of the Macpherson-Grant family since its inception. The castle is an exemplary Z-plan structure, with subsequent expansions added in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Throughout its history, the castle has witnessed various events, including a notable feud in the late 16th century and damage during the wars led by James Graham, the 1st Marquess of Montrose, before being restored in 1645.

The estate encompasses extensive gardens, including a 20th-century rock garden and a 17th-century dovecote. It is also known for its exceptional collection of Spanish paintings from the 17th century and for housing the famous Aberdeen Angus cattle herd.

Today, Ballindalloch Castle remains a private residence but is open to tourists during the summer months, providing a glimpse into Scotland's rich heritage and the storied past of the Macpherson-Grant family.

For more on the castle and to see the Spanish Art collection, click the Angus cow!

Click the dance cribs or description below to link to a printable version of the dance!