Balgonie Castle
Of the castles held by the Lundy, Lundie, Lundin family, Balgonie is by far in the best condition. It is currently owned by the family of Morris of Balgonie, who purchased it around twenty years ago. Although at this time it was in a state of disrepair, it has now undergone a great deal of renovation. The main tower is again habitable, and is lived in by the Laird of Balgonie, Lady Balgonie, and their son, Mr. Stuart Morris, Younger of Balgonie. The lower level of the Hall-House constructed by Sir Robert Lundie of Balgonie is also in use as a chapel, and is a popular venue for weddings.
A good description of the castle is given in the 1799 Statistical Accounts of Scotland by the Rev Mr John Thompson:
"Balgonie castle, one of the seats of the Earl of Leven, is a fabric of great antiquity, and considerable strength. The time when it was built cannot be ascertained; but from the best information that can be got, it appears to be of the same age with the cathedral of St. Andrew's, which was built in the 12th century. This castle is pleasantly situated on the S. bank of the Leven, elevated about 36 feet above the bed of the river. It is of a quadrangular form, and stands upon an area of 135 feet by 105. The open court within, is 108 feet by 65. The tower*, which stands on the N. side, and near the N. W. angle is 45 feet by 36 over the walls, and 80 feet high. The top is surrounded with battlements, projecting about a foot beyond the walls. The roof, which appears to have been repeatedly repaired since it was first built, is rafted in the middle, and between that and the battlements is flat, and covered with stones. The walls of the two lower stories, both of which are vaulted, are 8 ½ feet thick: but above that, they are only 7 feet thick. There is an apartment in it called the Chapel, and, in the wall on the opposite side of the court, the ruins of a room are still to be seen, which was called the Chaplain's room. The architecture of this tower is still very perfect and entire, and the third story hath been lately repaired by the present Lord Balgonie.."
