Balnagowan Castle
Crest of Clansfolk of Clan Ross
Gaelic name: Ros, Rois
(placename in Ross-shire)
Balnagowan Castle, in the Parish of Kilmuir, was the seat of the chiefs
of Clan Ross from early times until their line came to an end in the
person of David, 13th Chief. It was probably built in the 15th century,
the west tower, with its high pointed roof and turrets, being the oldest
part. David, who was particularly interested in architecture, rebuilt
the main portion and also added to it about the end of the 17th century.
Since his time, the Castle has been repaired, and in 1838 the east tower
was built in harmony with the older parts. In the course of these
repairs, a recess was discovered in one of the walls of the dining room.
The walls of the recess were covered with drawings of figures in the
military garb of the 15th century. In one of the rooms in the portion
built by David, there is a lintel above the fireplace, on which are shown
three circles. Above the middle circle are the letters: A-M-M-F. Below
the circle are the words: SOLI-DEO-GLORIA (To God alone be the glory).
Inside the circle is a minister, in a Geneva hat, gown and bands, holding
an open Bible, on which is inscribed the words:
FEAR-GOD-IN-HEART-AS-YE-MY-BEDED
Around the ministerial figure are the words:
SERVIRE-DEUM-EST-REG-NARE (To serve God is to rule)
Underneath are the initials: M-H-M-E-R
In the other circles are escutcheons, one of which bears the motto:
NOBILIS-EST-IRA-LEONIS (Noble is the wrath of the lion)
The date is 1680, probably the date of the building of this part of the
Castle by Chief David. Balnagown is a magnificent example of the old
Baronial Castles of Scotland. It is finely situated on the banks of the
Balnagown River.
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