Condition Good Materials Rubble and sandstone | Built late-14th century | |
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Similar Kinfauns Castle, Elcho Castle, Huntingtower Castle, Balhousie Castle, Coronation Chair | ||
Balthayock Castle, also known as Tower Of Balthayock, is a medieval tower house located 3 miles east of Perth, Scotland. It was built in late 14th century. It is measured at 52 by 37ft and has very thick walls. The Balthayock castle is said to have been owned by family of Blair since the time of William I (1165-1214). It was very ruinous prior to 1870. James Maclaren saved the tower by building the present battlements, modern roof, caphouse, forestair to the entrance and also altered the interior. It was inhabited until the middle of the last century. It is now unoccupied but is in good condition.
Architecture
The walls of castle are almost 10ft thick and are made of sandstone and whin rubble. On the castle's east side an armorial panel displaying the date 1370 is present on the side of the stone stair. Another armorial with the initials AB (Blair) GM dated 1578 is located at the castle's southeast corner over an archway. Tusking in the building indicates the presence of a barmkin(tower house). The main block of the castle consists of three storeys, an attic and a wing of two storeys; the first floor of the wing is divided into a chamber and hall. It was remodelled in 1870 with the addition of a forestair, crenallated parapet and cap-house. It is now uninhibited but it is in considerably good condition,