Balvenie Castle, Scotland

Balvenie Castle is a ruined castle, built in the 12th century by the powerful Comyn family (the Black Comyns) and extended and altered in the 15th and 16th centuries.

The castle fell out of use in the early 14th century when the Comyns were reduced by Robert the Bruce. At some point in the 14th century the castle and the lordship of Balvenie passed into the earldom of Douglas. Archibald Douglas, 4th Earl of Douglas granted his younger brother, James The Goss, the lordship of Balvenie in 1408. James's main residence was at Abercorn Castle, so Balvenie Castle's use was as temporary accommodation when the need arose.

In 1440, William Douglas, 6th Earl of Douglas was murdered by King James II and the elderly James the Gross unexpectedly became the 7th earl. James immediately passed the lordship of Balvenie with its castle to his youngest son, John. Earl James's death in 1443 signaled a resumption of the hostility between the royal Stewarts and the Black Douglases. The Battle of Arkinholm in May 1455 saw all of the Douglas lands and titles forfeited to the Crown, including Balvenie Castle. King James divided up the estates among his supporters which included the Douglas earl of Angus and provided Balvenie Castle to Sir John Stewart, later the first Earl of Atholl. Balvenie Castle served as a garrison during the Jacobite rebellion. It was abandoned in 1720s but was briefly garrisoned by Government troops in 1746.

Today, the remains are open to the public during the summer months. Balvenie whisky is produced by William Grant & Sons at the Balvenie distillery next to the castle.

Opening Times

1 April - 30 September, daily, 9.30 am to 5.30 pm

Visit website for more information

Ticket Prices

Adult £4.00,
Child £2.40,
Concession £3.20

Visit website for more information

Disabled Facilities

Access to the castle is not possible for visitors using wheelchairs and difficult for visitors with limited mobility. Please contact the Castle for information on site assistance.

Visit website for more information

More Information

Telephone: 01340 820 121

Visit website for more information