Sustainability focus for new owners of historic Bannachra estate
The remains of Bannachra Castle
An estate and castle with immense historical interest to Clan Colquhoun is under renovations. Dr. Liz Barrett and Rob Lenihan are the enthusiastic and talented new owners of Bannachra Estate near Loch Lomond, where their five-year plan is to realise a bio-diverse, net-zero emissions, sustainable and modern renovated Scottish Estate.
The estate comprises approximately 100 acres, and within its grounds are the ruins of the 16th century Bannachra Castle. Previously, the estate and castle had been closed to visitor. Its new owners, Liz and Rob, plan to curate the castle for future educational, cultural and clan use, as well as renovating the main 20th century Bannachra House and nearby 18th century steadings.
Their five-year plan is comprehensive and ambitious: to become a sustainable 21st century, digitally-enabled Scottish estate, with embedded resilience, net-zero emissions and the ability to prepare and withstand future climate shocks … and to bounce forward from adverse incidents.
The couple are both experienced and highly knowledegable renovators and innovators, and have lived in the U.S., Hong Kong, Switzerland and India. Rob was raised in New Zealand; Liz grew up in Scotland and has been keen to return home.
The couple has sought assistance from Historic Environment Scotland (HES) and an archaeological stonemason. Says Liz, “The aim is to stabilise the ruin as it is and restore some of the stonework. The plan is to then create a stand-alone “castle atrium” that will sit within the existing structure, and not touch any of the castle’s internal walls.” The architect-designed atrium will be large and robust, a place to be used for cultural events, such as clan gatherings, educational events and even weddings.
Liz and Rob are keen to build and maintain links with the wider community and also with Clan Colquhoun. We hope to bring Clan Colquhoun society members to the castle in the near future. We will monitor the progress and provide updates, as this exciting project gets underway!
Meet the Owners
