About

SUMMARY

Balvarran is an old highland estate located on the southern boundary of Britain’s largest unspoilt mountain wilderness.  The estate lies to the north of the River Ardle in the heart of Strathardle, a beautiful glen rich in legend and tradition.  Valuable habitats here play host to a bountiful array of wildlife, both large and small, rare and common.

Holidaymakers can stay in a riverside cottage or a recently restored maisonette in what was once the coachman’s lodgings.  Two special experiences are available including a unique archeological tour of the area and cross country outing around the estate.  Country sports enthusiasts can enjoy grouse shooting, stalking and salmon fishing amongst some of Scotland’s most unspoilt and idyllic scenery…

HISTORY

Balvarran, which means ‘place of the baron’ may have originally been known as Pitvirren, a name which possesses an almost identical meaning, yet until the late 19th Century the estate as a whole was generally better known by its landholding;  Invercrosky (sometimes Easter Invercrosky) and Whitefield.

In 1554 the Earl of Atholl granted a charter of the lands of Invercrosky and Whitefield to Baron Ruadh, a man who “loved to live high” and was “brave at suppressing robbers”.  Little is known of the original house as it was burned to the ground in the 17^th Century by the Marquis of Montrose, who clearly opposed the Laird’s viewpoint!  The earliest part of the present building was built in 1641, a date that remains clearly marked above what was the original front door…

PJ PAN

One of the UK’s leading pyjama brands, PJ Pan, is based at Balvarran.   The stylish collection of British made pyjamas, nightshirts, pyjama bottoms and pyjama shorts for women, men, teenagers and children are all available to purchase online at www.pjpan.co.uk

With countless cottons and silks to choose from, ranging from interesting woven stripes to pretty prints there is hopefully something for everyone.  Everything within the cotton collection is made from the finest quality longstaple combed cotton, ranging from crisp Egyptian cotton to cosy brushed cotton…

STRATHARDLE

Strathardle has been inhabited since the iron age and possibly even earlier.  Remains of iron age huts and several large standing stones can be seen in the area.

The glen, as it is known locally, is liberally scattered with myth and legend, as well as the sites of ancient battles.  It’s possible that the area owes its name to Prince Ardle, a nobleman who died in 903 AD at Enochdhu while fighting off the Danes.  He was laid to rest where he fell and the burial mound is 18 feet long and 3 feet wide with a standing stone at one end and a small boulder at the other, having the result that many now refer to it as the Giant’s Grave…