A fairytale Highland castle is back on the market after plans to create the “most desirable luxury hotel in Scotland” collapsed.
A wealthy developer last year pledged to invest millions to create a five-star hotel and Michelin-starred restaurant in Carbisdale Castle near Bonar Bridge.
However, last night the building’s owners the Scottish Youth Hostel Association (SYHA) confirmed the deal with Aberdeen Capital Ltd was off amid “growing concerns” that the sale would be completed.
The castle, which overlooks the Kyle of Sutherland, will be put back on the open market.
A spokesman for SYHA Hostelling Scotland said: “SYHA has now ceased negotiations with Aberdeen Capital Ltd to purchase Carbisdale Castle for development as a five star resort hotel.
“This difficult decision has been taken after protracted and complex negotiations and more recently as a result of growing concerns as to the likelihood of the sale ultimately being achieved.
“SYHA intends to place the castle back on the open market at the earliest opportunity to find another suitable purchaser.
“SYHA remains committed as a not for profit charitable organisation to sell the castle responsibly in the best interests of its charitable objectives.”
Aberdeen Capital Ltd was not named when the plans for Carbisdale were revealed last year and could not be contacted last night.
Their masterplan involved creating 21 “spellbinding” suites and remodeling the grounds to recreate the formal garden layout from when the castle was opened in 1917.
They had pledged an initial investment of £6.5million with a total investment of £15million planned.
They also promised 90 full-time jobs as well as spin-off benefits to local businesses.
Carbisdale was the last castle to be built in Scotland and was constructed between 1906 and 1917 for Mary Caroline, Duchess of Sutherland.
It was in private ownership until 1945 when it became a youth hostel before closing in 2010.
The castle’s collection of Italian marble sculptures and old masters’ paintings from a Highland castle sold at auction in London last year for a combined £1,003,939.
