Our History
How Balnagown came to be…
Timeline of the Lairds of Balnagown & Balnagown Castle
The lands of Ross existed long before there was a Clan Ross. It was from this highly fertile and desirable area that this clan, rather unusually, took its name. The Clan name first appears around the 11th century.
This timeline shows significant developments in the history of Balnagown Estate and Castle. Some dates are approximate. For a fuller history of the Ross Clan dating back to 1215, see the website of Tain and District Museum.
The museum and its website offer a treasure trove of information and artefacts relating to the history of Clan Ross and the area.
The architectural evolution of the castle
Balnagown in 1500
(an artist’s impression)
The simple tower-house with its timber outbuildings.
Balnagown in 1690
[an artist’s impression]
The original tower-house has been extended with a new wing on the North side.
Balnagown in 1780
[an artist’s impression]
The bow-fronted addition was built for Captain John Lockhart Ross in 1763.