Ross Priory
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ross Priory is a Grade A Listed Building located west of Gartocharn, West Dunbartonshire, on the south shore of Loch Lomond.
Although the term 'Priory' implies "some ecclesiastical provenance" this is not the case, being simply a 19th century romantic affectation.[1]
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[edit] History
The history of Ross Priory began with the Buchanan Clan during the 11th century.
A dwelling is known to have existed on the site from as early as 1693.
It is reported that in 1745 the Buchanans were cursed by the Marquess of Tullibardine, who, in the aftermath of the Battle of Culloden asked James Buchanan, 5th of Ross, for shelter at the Priory but was instead betrayed and given over to King George's men. Tullibardine cursed them with the utterance:
- "There will be Murrays on the Braes of Atholl land when there’s ne’er a Buchanan at the Ross.”
The Marquess's curse came to pass when, in 1925 the Buchanan's male line finally died out and the house was leased to Major George J.H. Christie, a veteran of World War I, remaining in the family's possession until shortly after the Major's death.
Christie was responsible for the development and cultivation of the Priory's surrounding gardens.
The Priory was sold to the University of Strathclyde in 1971, despite objections from the local population.[1]
[edit] Architecture
Ross Priory has been described as a Scottish Gothic style country house. [2] It was designed in 1812 by Dunblane-born architect James Gillespie Graham (1776-1855) as an extensive remodelling of the site's existing farmhouse.
Ross Priory comprises approximately 200 acres of land and includes a formal garden, parkland, a burial ground and golf course.
[edit] Famous Visitors
Sir Walter Scott is said to have taken inspiration for his 'Waverley' Novels from impressions formed during annual visits to the Priory. A room on the first floor is named for him.[3]
[edit] Current Use
Ross Priory is now commonly used for meetings and entertainment by staff and graduates of Strathclyde University as well as being a popular wedding venue.[4]
Its surrounding gardens, woodlands and parkland are deemed Open under Scotland's Gardens Scheme, access by appointment.
[edit] References
- ^ Reid, Carol (Spring 2006). Ross Priory. Friends of Loch Lomond Newsletter. Helensburgh: The Friends of Loch Lomond & the Trossachs.
- ^ Deans, Joyce (22 January 2008). Ross Priory. Rias. Edinburgh: Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland.
- ^ Lockhart, J.G. (1871). Chapters IV and VI. The Life of Scott. Edinburgh: Adam and Charles Black.
- ^ Historic Scotland (2008). Ross Priory. Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes. Edinburgh: Historic Scotland.
