Cardross
Set on the fringe of the Scottish Highlands, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, the home of Sir Archie and Lady Orr Ewing.
Port of Menteith, by Stirling, FK8 3JY
- Guide dogs welcome
- Accessible parking
Thought to have been built in 1598 by David Erskine, Commendator, or Lay Superior of Inchmahome Priory where Mary Queen of Scots spent time as a child. Above a window there is a lintel carved 1598. However, there was probably an earlier tower house. The fine ceiling in Cardross’ drawing room is thought to have been created by John Erskine, the 2nd Earl of Mar, for the royal visit of James VI around 1612 to 1630.
The house became neglected until John Erskine, an Edinburgh lawyer from another branch of the family, bought the estate in 1746. This is almost certainly the date that the house was restored, particularly the main dining room with its fine Georgian proportions and features. Around 1780, John Erskine’s son James added two wings in the north front of Cardross. Further alterations were then made in the early nineteenth century, including work on the main entrance hall and stairway, the library and bedroom floor.
Cardross remained an Erskine property until it was bought by the Orr Ewing family in 1920. A choice of the fourth Baronet, it was at this point the house was harled and painted its striking warm ochre and orange colour
- Guide dogs welcome
- Accessible parking