Keys to the Castle - Darren Hercher Films

Keys to the Castle - Darren Hercher Films
Two years ago the elderly couple traded their A-listed castle for a bungalow in a nearby village when the practicalities of living there became too much.
Their story is portrayed in a BBC documentary broadcast this week.
On moving back to Scotland from Africa, where Sandy (Alexander) worked as a lawyer, in the 1970s, the pair bought the ruined Inverquharity Castle in Angus.
Over many years, they rebuilt and painstakingly restored it.
It is miles from anywhere: 20 from Dundee, 33 from Perth.

Mrs Grant admitted that when she bought the house, she had envisaged living there for the rest of her days. "I didn't know then what it felt like to find the stairs an absolute obstacle," she said.

Having suffered a minor stroke, Mr Grant's health was not what it once was and the pressure of maintaining such a large, old property, along with 11 acres of land, became untenable.
Alisoun and Sandy Grant’s final days at Inverquharity Castle as they prepare to sell up and leave after 40 years living in the 15th century building.
Their move from Inverquharity Castle, on the outskirts of Kirriemuir, to a smaller, more manageable property.

The castle, near Kirriemuir, was built originally in the 1440s by Alexander Ogilvie, second Lord Inverquharity, as a rectangular tower but was extended in the 16th century with the addition of another wing to form a four-storey L-plan castle.

It was sold in the late 18th century and was left to decay until the Grants rescued it from ruin in the early 1970s and rebuilt and painstakingly restored it, after they returned to Scotland from their life in Africa.

This documentary gently explores the heartbreaking reasons behind their decision to sell, while also portraying the couple’s unwavering commitment and love.
‘Keys to the Castle’ won the Scottish Bafta for Single Documentary.
Inverquharity Castle sold in 2012 for £611,000.

Robin Jeffrey (Charity founder and motor racing enthusiast) bought Inverquharity, a 15th century castle in 2012 and happily supervised its three year renovation.
It is with sadness that we announce the sudden death of Robin Jeffrey who died at his home, Inverquharity Castle at the age of 51.
- Robin Jeffrey RIP (1964-2015) Obituary - Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School
- Inverquharity Castle, Kinnordy, Kirriemuir | Castle for Sale Dundee & Angus
Inverquharity Castle, OFFERS OVER £620,000 Closing date: 21 Jul 2016 12pm

- http://www.scottishcastlesassociation.com/news-articles/past-present/inverquharity-castle.htm

- https://www.flickr.com/photos/62445171@N00/6606659547/in/photostream/

- Inverquharity Castle