Our heritage

Our A-listed Grand staircase

Our A-listed Grand staircase

Belmont Castle has a fascinating history and heritage, in keeping with our A-listed status.

The original building was a 15th Century, three story tower-house. Initially a residence of the Bishops of Dunkeld, it then passed to the Nairns of Dunsinane. In the 17th century, Belmont was acquired by Sir George Mackenzie of Rosehaugh. His descendant, the Hon. James Stuart Mackenzie built the current house with its impressive clock tower in the late 18th century. Belmont passed (by marriage) to the Earls of Wharncliffe and then on to Sir Henry Campbell Bannerman, who was the Liberal Prime Minister from 1905-08.

Belmont played its part in the 20th century Jute story of the area and was bought by jute baron Sir James Caird. In 1918, it was then gifted by his family to the then Dundee Corporation. The Church of Scotland opened Belmont as a retirement and holiday home for men convalescing from illness in 1931. It was opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and in 1981, ‘The Queen Mum’ returned to Belmont for our Golden Jubilee celebrations, in 1981, planting the crab-apple tree, that stands at our front door.

In 2006, Belmont Castle celebrated 75 years of care, the longest serving property under the control of the CrossReach organisation.