History of Buchanan Castle
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The Clubhouse was built on the site of the ancient Buchanan House, home of the Buchanan family that had held lands on Loch Lomondside since the 13th century, The Graham Family, The Dukes of Montrose, bought the estate in the 17th century later rebuilt much of it and have held it since that time.
The house burned down in 1852 and the present Clubhouse incorporates some of the surviving walls. Among other things, the Montroses were much involved in the breeding and training of racehorses and kept a large establishment at Newmarket, as they did at Buchanan Castle.
The ground on which the golf course is laid out was used as a race track, and for training gallops. Their greatest success was the 1878 Derby winner, Sefton, ridden by Harry Constable. It is commemorated in the name of the 18th hole of the course, and in a large oil painting of the horse, jockey and attendants which graces the clubhouse.
Other holes on the course are also named after some of the racehorses belong to the Montrose family.
The Club’s dining room displays the portraits of the Montrose family and other portraits are on display in the lounge area.
John McDonald Bannerman, one of the most famous of all Scottish Rugby Internationals, was a factor to the Duke of Montrose in 1935 when golf at Buchanan Castle was first conceived. He requested the expertise of James Braid, five times Open Champion. Then in his 60’s and a man who had designed courses the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland and had a hand in the King’s at Gleneagles, Rosemount, Carnoustie and Dalmahoy, for example.
James Braid’s score card is amongst historic artefacts displayed in the clubhouse.
Other historic links with the area includes:
- History of the Graham family
- The First Marquis and the Act of Union
- William Wallace
- Rob Roy McGregor
- The ruin of Buchanan Castle and Rudolf Hess
- Architecture of William Playfair and William Adam
Contact us if you would like to know more on the history of Bucanahan Castle Golf Club.
James Braid
More information on James Braid is available at www.thebraidsociety.com