Ardross Castle: A 19th-Century Scottish Baronial Estate in the Highlands

Introduction: Why Ardross Castle matters

Ardross Castle is a notable example of 19th-century Scottish Baronial architecture set within formal gardens and over 100 acres of parkland. Located in the rural Ardross area of the Highlands, the castle is relevant to readers interested in architectural heritage, regional history and rural estates in Scotland. Its combination of historical ownership, restoration efforts and a distinctive chapel within the courtyard underlines its cultural and local significance.

Main details and historical highlights

Location and setting

Ardross Castle stands in Ardross, Highland (Scottish Gaelic: Àird Rois), a rural area within Ross and Cromarty roughly 30 miles (48 km) north of Inverness. The estate is associated with Alness in Ross‑Shire and is set amid extensive parkland and formal gardens that contribute to its striking Highland setting.

Design and ownership history

The architect Alexander Ross was commissioned to re-design Ardross Castle in the Scots Baronial style during the 19th century. Following the death of Sir Alexander, his son Sir Kenneth Matheson sold the estate in 1898 to Charles William Dyson Perrins, a captain in the Highland Light Infantry with business interests including the Worcester Royal Porcelain Company and Lea & Perrins sauce.

In the 20th century Mr and Mrs Austin Mardon purchased Ardross Castle with 80 acres of associated land and lived there until 1983. The castle and grounds were then sold to the McTaggart family, who initiated a programme of restoration work to conserve the property and its surrounding landscape.

Religious and cultural feature

Within the courtyard is the Chapel of St. John the Baptist, a Greek Orthodox chapel that serves as a lesser‑known but significant religious and artistic landmark on the estate. The castle is also referenced in local sources as “The Traitors Castle,” a name used in some regional accounts.

Conclusion: Significance and outlook

Ardross Castle remains an important example of Scottish Baronial architecture in the Highlands, notable for its landscaped parkland, layered ownership history and the presence of a Greek Orthodox chapel. Ongoing restoration efforts by private owners underline the challenges and opportunities of conserving rural heritage properties. For readers, the castle represents both a tangible link to local history and a potential point of interest for visitors and heritage enthusiasts exploring the Highlands.