If you're out and about in Perthshire this May, you might come across an unusual and somewhat unsettling sight.
Located approximately 18 miles west of the town of Pitlochry is the remains of Dunalastair House. The imposing structure resembles a large mansion or castle, but the closer you get the more you realise it is nothing but a skeletal ruin.
The haunting site, which in recent years has become a favourite spot amongst explorers and adventurers, was in fact once a grand estate. It might be hard to believe, but not even 100 years ago it was a school for Polish children.
Journeying back, the story of Dunalastair Estate starts centuries ago with Clan Donnachaidh, also known as Clan Robertson, as it was originally owned by the Robertson family. The clan, who lived in and around the area, retained control of the estate until 1853, when it was sold by George Duncan Robertson, 18th Chief of Clan Donnachaidh, to General Sir John Macdonald of Dalchosnie.
According to the Dunalastair Estate website, Macdonald knocked down the house that stood on the site at the time, and built his own—the remains of which you see today. A few decades later, the estate was sold by Alastair Macdonald, son of Sir John, to Hugh Tennent.
That surname name will no doubt ring a bell for many Scots, and Hugh was indeed the great-great-grandson of the founder of the Wellpark Brewery—now known as Tennent's brewery. The then-head of the brewing company only owned the estate for nine years, though, as he died aged 27 in 1890.
A year later, the house and the estate were sold to the Chairman of the Caledonian Railway Company, James Clark Bunten—the great-grandfather of the present owner. However, it wasn't long until Dunalastair began to fall into decline, especially following the onset of World War One when the staff needed to run such a prestigious house became scarce.
A few decades later, during the Second World War, the estate saw a second life as a school for the children of Polish refugees. However, following a fire around this time, its decline continued into the 50s.
At this point, the house’s contents and furniture were sold off. Its declined worsened in the 60s, when it was badly vandalised and lead was stolen from the roof, after which it fell into a state of complete disrepair.
Today, there have been many proposals to restore the once-majestic house. However, due to the high cost, nothing has come of them thus far.
More information can be found on the Dunalastair Estate website.
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