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Buchanan Castle overgrown with plants and trees .. Aerial view of Buchanan Castle .. the interior of Buchana Castle is overgrown .. Inside the ruined Buchanan Castle .. a golfer putting a ball .. a golf ball near the hole ..

Buchanan Castle

The ruins of Buchanan Castle

Buchanan Castle now lies in ruin on the grounds of a beautiful golf course near Drymen, but it was once the family home of the Duke of Montrose, Clan Graham. Today, it remains the seat of Clan Graham, and although it’s now unsafe to go inside, you can still view the exterior of this remarkable historic landmark. Overgrown and derelict, it has a rather spooky appearance and stories of hauntings surround it!

A short history of Buchanan Castle

Originally built between 1852 and 1858, Buchanan Castle was the grand home of the Duke of Montrose and family, of Clan Graham. With beautiful turrets and a sweeping entrance, it remained a family home until 1925, when it was sold.

In 1936 the house and grounds were converted into a hotel and golf course. The house became a hospital during World War II. It is known as the hospital that received Rudolph Hess, Hitler’s Deputy Furher when he landed in Scotland to attempt to make peace. His next accommodation was the Tower of London. 

After the war, the golf course reopened in full. However, the house soon fell into ruin. In 1954, the roof was removed in order to avoid taxes, and the inevitable decline of the building began. It now lies crumbling and covered in overgrown weeds. And although dangerous to enter, it is still a remarkable sight to see from a safe distance.

Spooky castle views

Buchanan Castle is a category B listed building, as well as being included on the Buildings at Risk Register for Scotland. It can be a rather spooky experience walking near this abandoned site. It’s important to keep your distance though. There are fences and plenty of warnings about not stepping inside, as there are plenty of hazards and danger of death or injury. If you are curious to see what’s inside, it’s much safer to look at pictures online or check out the video below!

How to get there

We would recommend parking in Drymen village and then taking a walk up past the castle ruins and along the side of the golf course. This is a very pleasant walk and the views of the crumbling castle are spectacular and very spooky! Don’t go past the danger signs, but enjoy from a distance.

Keen golfers may also wish to enjoy a round of golf at Buchanan Castle Golf Course. Please note that guests staying at Loch Lomond Waterfront receive a special rate when booking a round, so contact us for further details.

Relax at Loch Lomond Waterfront

After exploring the local area, how better to relax than back in your luxury lodge or chalet. Indulge with a soak in the hot tub and take in the stunning views of the loch. We also offer glamping holidays in our cosy Shepherd’s huts. Find out more.

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  • Wish we had longer

    'The ducks were very amusing, each day they waddled around the lodges looking for food, we bought some duck food for them in the local village shop. We just wished we were here for longer and hope to return in the future.'

  • Stunning from top to bottom

    'We booked this to relax after a family tragedy and it was the perfect tonic. Stunning from top to bottom. The rooms were perfect with all the facilities needed. The hot tub on a winters evening took it to another level. The blackout curtains, allied to no light pollution outside, meant wakening up was the most natural I had experienced for years.'

  • Everything was more than perfect

    'Everything was more than perfect, more than what we can ask for. And the view priceless, the whole stay was priceless, so thank you ever so much, hope to see you soon.'

  • Such a beautiful setting

    'Myself and my partner recently stayed in Drummond Lodge (from 21-24 Feb) and we just wanted to say thank you so much for a lovely stay. We loved our lodge, it was like a home from home, and we really didn’t want to leave! It was spotlessly clean and in such a beautiful setting. All the staff we met were really friendly. We also loved Balmaha, what a wonderful village. So thank you very much! We are the couple that took Flynn for a walk and we took this photo of him... we thought you’d appreciate a copy. Thanks once again...

  • We'll definitely be back again

    'I just wanted to thank you for such a lovely stay.  The lodge was beautiful and the facilities and views amazing.  We will definitely be back again.'

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