Taymouth Castle’s Renowned Golf Course
Taymouth Castle has a well known golf course on its grounds and stands on the east end of Loch Tay in Perthshire, Scotland. It lies west of Pitlochry and Aberfeldy. Taymouth Castle was the ancient seat of the powerful Campbell Earls and Marquises of Breadalbane.
The present 19th Century neo-Gothic castle stands on the site of an ancient castle known as Balloch Castle that had been built in 1550 for Sir Colin Campbell of Glenorchy. His son, known as Black Duncan of the Castles, had constructed or refurbished six castles on their extensive estate. Towards the end of the 17th century the family fell on hard times and plans for the new castle were put on hold. Later, during the time of the first Earl, the family fortunes improved and Taymouth Castle was built.
The castle was one of the grandest to be built in the early 19th century in Scotland. The central structure with its corner towers and cloistered colonnade were built in1806. A 100 feet high grand central staircase with exquisite plaster work rose through all four floors and was considered to be the most impressive staircase of its day. No expense was spared in decorating the interiors with carvings, murals and plasterwork. The best designers, craftsmen and architects of the day were employed. Many of the ceilings were painted by Cornelius Dixon. The rooms also incorporated panels of medieval stained glass and Renaissance woodwork.
The castle was eventually sold to The Taymouth Castle Hotel Company Ltd and it ran as a hotel before the Second World War. The deer park on the estate was converted into a magnificent golf course. During the WWII the government requisitioned the castle and it was used as a convalescent home. After the war Taymouth Castle became the headquarters for Civil Defence Training in Scotland. For a short duration after the Second World War a school for children of American servicemen posted in the region was run in the Castle.
Today visitors can enjoy a stay at Taymouth Castle and revel in the beauty and tranquility of its surroundings.