Symbister House, Category B listed building in Symbister, Whalsay island, Shetland Islands, Scotland.
Symbister House is a granite building in northern Scotland composed of multiple linked structures set around a central courtyard. The complex includes the main residence along with outbuildings for livestock, a small dovecote, and stone boundary walls with decorative gate posts.
The Bruce family constructed this residence in 1823 using brown granite quarried from North Nesting, establishing it as a symbol of their landholding status on Whalsay island. The building served as the center of a working agricultural estate and reflected the wealth of a significant merchant family in the region.
Local narratives include the tale of an old sailor who met his end during a card game dispute with the gardener at Symbister House.
The building is not open to the public today, as it has served as Whalsay Secondary School since 1964. The exterior facades and surrounding structures remain visible from nearby roads, allowing visitors to appreciate the architectural details from the grounds.
The property once had a grinding mill powered by a water wheel measuring 16 feet (approximately 5 meters) in diameter, demonstrating the wealth and technical innovation of its owners. This mechanical installation was particularly remarkable for operating on such a remote island during the early 1800s.
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