A fairytale Highland castle which has been lying empty for six years has finally been sold and will be turned into a “world class private residence”.
Carbisdale Castle, near Bonar Bridge, has been bought for an undisclosed sum by FCFM Group, a privately-owned investment company based in London.
Previous owners SYHA Hostelling Scotland had been trying to sell the building since its closure in 2010, after running it as a youth hostel for 65 years.
Recently the castle was taken off the market, heightening speculation locally that it was about to be sold.
A statement released last night with the joint input of both parties read: “FCFM Group Limited plan to work closely with all relevant stakeholders, including the local community, to quickly complete the repair and renovation works started by SYHA and return Carbisdale Castle to its former glory as a world class private residence in the highlands of Scotland.”
Further details about the number of rooms and creation of jobs remain unknown at this stage.
Keith Legge, chief executive of SYHA, said: “SYHA is proud to have provided an affordable experience of staying in a Scottish castle for some 65 years, hosting in that time one million guests, including young people and families from all around the world.
“As a self-funding Scottish charity of 85 years, it was with great sadness that SYHA was unable to sustain the castle as a youth hostel. All proceeds from the sale of Carbisdale Castle will be reinvested back into modernising the SYHA network of youth hostels across Scotland.”
The statement added: “SYHA is delighted that the new owners are in a position to bring the castle back to its former glory and wish them well in their endeavours in refurbishing Carbisdale Castle”.
Bonar Bridge resident Nigel Baird said: “It’s just a pity we have lost the tourist aspect that came with the hostelling over the years. I would rather have seen it put back into hotel use, or a club that may have benefited the community.”
Last year, a deal thought to be the start of plans to turn the historic property into a luxury hotel fell through amid much controversy.
Promises were made of millions of pounds worth of investment and the creation of up to 90 jobs.
Carbisdale was the last castle to be built in Scotland and was constructed between 1906 and 1917 for Mary Caroline, Duchess of Sutherland.
The property is said to be haunted by a ghost called Betty.
