In the early 14th century, a castle was begun at Balnagown by
Hugh,
Mormaer (Earl) of Ross. Hugh was husband of Maud, sister of
King Robert the Bruce, although after Hugh's death in 1333, his family lost royal favour and their lands were
forfeit. Balnagown was acquired by a stepson of Hugh in 1375 who expanded the estate, a process which continued over the following centuries. On 11 November 1501
James IV was entertained by the laird's harper. In 1585 Alexander Ross, 9th
laird of Balnagown, was outlawed, as was his son George. David and Anne rebuilt Balnagown, as attested by a datestone of 1672 on the castle, although they left no heir, and the estate passed to the
Rosses of Halkhead in 1711. In 1754, Balnagown passed to another branch of the family, when it was inherited by
Admiral Sir John Lockhart-Ross, 6th Baronet. The admiral spent much time and money improving the Balnagown estate, becoming "the most efficient and enterprising Highland estate manager of his day." His son and heir Sir Charles Lockhart-Ross consulted
James Gillespie Graham on
Gothic Revival style alterations to the castle, and
Italian gardens were laid out.
Sir Charles Ross, 9th Baronet, inherited the castle in 1911. He continued the tradition of agricultural improvement, introducing the silo and the combine harvester to the estate. He also invented the
Ross rifle, which he had manufactured in Canada. To prevent the seizure of Balnagown by the
Inland Revenue, Ross had the estate declared a ward of the court of
Delaware, and he was subsequently unable to return to Britain for fear of imprisonment. From his death in 1942, until 1972, the castle was unoccupied and became dilapidated. In 1972, it was bought by
Mohamed Al-Fayed, who began restoration of the house and grounds. ==References==