A CASTLE that featured in the hugely popular Outlander series is set to open to the public for the first time in more than a decade.
Balvaird Castle, in Perthshire, has been undergoing conservation works but has reopened for guided tours, Historic Environment Scotland has announced.
It’s the first time the inside of the castle has been accessible to visitors for more than a decade, with visitors having to wear a hard hat and high-visibility vest when on the tour of the castle's interior due to ongoing conservation works.
Built in 1495, the castle is a late-15th-century tower house and featured in last year’s Outlander prequel Blood of My Blood.
Cared for by Historic Environment Scotland, fans of the show will recognise Balvaird as the location of Castle Leathers.
Anne-Marie O’Reilly, regional visitor and community manager for Central Scotland at HES, said: “Balvaird Castle is visually stunning, and it’s entirely understandable that it landed a starring role on Outlander: Blood of my Blood.
“The castle has so much to offer, from wonderful scenery to its fascinating history, and we’re excited to welcome visitors inside for the first time in over ten years.”
Set within the Ochil Hills, visitors are able to enjoy stunning panoramic views from the roof walk and hear stories about the history of the castle and the Murray family, along with life in the 16th Century.
Balvaird Castle doubles for Castle Leathers in the Outlander prequel and is the ancestral seat of Simon Fraser, played by Tony Curran, who is the grandfather of Jamie, played by Sam Heughan, from the original series.
Tours are available on selected dates from Wednesday, July 15, to Saturday, August 22.
