Blackcraig Castle
Article Details
- Date:
- 1843
Categories
Blackcraig Castle
In Strathardle, a picturesque glen between Bridge of Cally and Kirkmichael in north-east Perthshire, is located a building which is probably unique in Scotland. Blackcraig Castle dates from around 1856 when it was designed and constructed on the site of a 16th century tower house by the Scottish artist and architect Patrick Allan Fraser.
In 1843 Patrick Allan had married Elizabeth Fraser, heiress of Hospitalfield House, Arbroath. He later added Fraser to his name. Together they renovated Hospitalfield House, established it as an Art College, and set up the Patrick Allan Fraser of Hospitalfield Trust to support young artists.
Patrick Allan Fraser continued to alter and extend Blackness Castle into the 1880s when ill health prevented him from carrying out further work.
Around 1870 the bridge over the River Ardle, which provided access to the castle, was transformed by the addition of Blackcraig Bridge House, a two storey gatehouse, which is Category A listed. The Castle itself is Category B listed while the walled garden is Category A.
After the death of Patrick Allan Fraser in 1890, Blackness Castle became part of the Hospitalfield Arts Trust.
In September 1893 the Liberal Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone was a guest at Blackcraig Castle. He is seen in this picture sharing a picnic near the castle.
William Ewart Gladstone and Mrs Gladstone are on the right. For more about Patrick Allan Fraser and Scottish Baronial Architecture visit:
https://en,wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Allan_Fraser
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottish_baronial_architecture