Ballikinrain, Scottish Baronial castle in Killearn, United Kingdom
Ballikinrain is a grey stone castle in the Scottish Baronial style located in Killearn, beneath the Campsie Fells. The building features multiple dormer windows and distinctive architecture, and holds category B listed status within Scotland's heritage protection system.
Renowned Scottish architect David Bryce designed the castle in 1868 for Sir Archibald Orr-Ewing, a Member of Parliament from Dunbartonshire. A major fire in 1913 caused significant damage to the structure and led to several years of restoration work.
The castle served for many years as a residential school for children with additional learning needs, run by CrossReach, a Church of Scotland organization. This educational purpose shaped how the building was used and perceived within the local community.
The castle is situated near the village of Killearn and surrounded by the Campsie Fells landscape, making it easy to locate and navigate to the area. Visitors should be aware that the building holds protected status, which may affect access and visiting options.
A major fire possibly caused by suffragettes destroyed much of the castle in 1913, causing significant damage. The subsequent restoration became a substantial project that highlighted the building's importance to the region.
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