An excessively magnificent and utterly luxurious highland estate with clan links has been placed on the market, boasting an equally impressive price tag. Once home to Clan Robertson, the sprawling Dall Estate is located on the south shore of Loch Rannoch in Perthshire with the estate agent currently accepting offers of over £2.3 million. The lands of the estate are also steeped in history, directly linking to historical-titans such as Robert the Bruce and King James I.
The estate is home to Dall House, which has 80+ rooms including 38 bedrooms, a cinema, library, chapel, sports hall and gun room. The grounds are even more impressive; hosting multiple bungalows and cottages, tennis courts, a boat house on the shore of the loch, an assault course and a fire engine that the estate agent states is “handy for cleaning the windows that come with the estate”.
In 2010 the current laird Malcolm James came under fire for his ambitious plan to turn the property into an exclusive billionaires resort. He announced that the minimum liquid net worth of clients using the estate would be set at 100 million, with membership fees of 2m and annual dues of 500,000. The plans received a great deal of opposition from local community and conservation groups who claimed the development would threaten one of Scotland’s most picturesque and unspoilt landscapes.
Members of Perth and Kinross Council voted 21-3 to reject the development of Dall, which was set to include a 104-room luxury hotel, two 18-hole golf courses and clubhouse, a state-of-the-art health spa, a concert hall, a “body-enhancement clinic” with surgery facilities, a retail arcade and a shore-side restaurant based on the design of a crannog. The plans were met with a storm of local and national protest, with local politicians calling the development inappropriate and damaging to the environment and ecology of Loch Rannoch.
The origin of the estate can be traced back to beginning of the 14th Century during the First War of the Scottish Wars of Independence. At this time Clan Robertson were known by their original name ‘Clan Donnachaidh’ – named after chief Duncan the Stout. In 1314 Duncan led his clan to battle at Bannockburn in staunch support of his friend, King Robert the Bruce. The lands of Dall were later gifted to the clan in 1347 for their support in this battle and the final years of the war.
100 years later chief Robert Riach (the Grizzled), known for his intense loyalty to the Stewarts, was responsible for capturing the murderers of King James I in 1437. In return the Crown granted him the feudal barony of the lands at Struan, with the chief then on known as Robertson (from Robert of Struan).
Struan became the clan seat until the aftermath of the Battle of Culloden (1746), in which the clan had their lands forfeited by the Government. The lands were returned (along with old debts) in 1784 however the clan found it increasingly difficult to make a living and break free of the debt. In 1853 Struan was sold, leaving only the lands at Dall remaining. Dall House was built in 1855, becoming the seat of the clan until 1926.
The house was commissioned by clan chief George Duncan Robertson and built by the renowned architect Thomas Mackenzie, who was responsible for the present Ballindalloch castle (1847) and Aldourie Castle (1853). Dall House was the only house he ever designed and built himself in Scots Baronial style, which is known for its 16th Century features including turrets. In 1926 the estate was sold, and Dall House became offices of the Forestry Commission before being established as an independent boarding school in 1959. The school’s remote location forced its closure in 2002.
You can view the property listing for Dall Estate by clicking here.
Lovely article, but please, please, please call our clan by its’ rightful name. We are Clan Donnachaidh. We are all aware that the knick knacks available say Robertson, but that is not the name of the clan. It’s the reason those in the know don’t buy the items available. Thank you.
Suzi McNutt
Clan Donnachaidh
Council member
Suzi, you are so right! I have complained in the past of such miss-use of the terms Clan and Sept.
Thank you for your more authoritive support.
Colin Robertson – USA
While the Clan name is rightly Donnachaidh, many of us worldwide naturally tend to relate equally well to the family surname,
My own family emigrated from Stornoway, Isle of Lewis and arrived in Bannockburn, Otago, New Zealand in the mid 1800’s. The walls of my Grandfathers house in Bannockburn Otago are of rammed earth and the house has only had four owners.
The 700th anniversary of the battle of Bannockburn was celebrated in Bannockburn New Zealand in a field opposite my Grandparents house.
It would certainly be great (and appropriate) if the Clan could purchase Dall estate.
Regards to all.
AGREED!!!!!!
HAustme is DALE from Australia my grandfather was Robert james Robertson I have that name tattooed on me I’m.coming over soon to research my roots and.I’d like to know I if.I could.stay in Struan some one told me there is.a Robertson hotel motel over there correct clan name Robertson or not I’d not.want to insult anyone cheers Dale deamens@ behind.net.au cheers Dale can you let me know if I.can hire a car for my stay and how much for the motel I’d prefer a mini Cooper to drive if possible thanks.cheers DALE Eamens Robertson
Sorry I mucked it up.hi my name is Dale Eamens Robertson anAround cheers dalem coming over to scotland soon to.learn more about my.grandfather and his clan plus find.my roots great grand father might have been David Robertson.from Struan
I have heard there is a Robertson motel there with all
The history of Roobertson. Clan I’d.be.grateful if you could let me know I’d like to hire a.car while there a mini Cooper if possible and. Pay someone to.show.me.about I’ve also read there cheers Dale Robertson
Has the estate been sold?
Looks like it’s still on the market, but for a heftier price tag of £7.5 million! OUCH!
My Grandmother was a Robertson. It’s awesome to see the family castle. I would like to find my Scottish relatives and family history. I love history and want to learn more about Scotland. Any relatives, I would love to hear from you. You can reach at the email below.
My father was Howard H. ROBERSON and I have researched our family back to my 3rd GG Thomas ROBERTSON b. 1790 in Rutherford, North Carolina, USA.
I think the clan should buy this for the clan
Neil I definitely agree with this. My family are direct dependents from Robert the Bruce and it would be an amazing if our clan owned what’s rightfully ours.
I agree with Neil Alan Robertson that this Gem should be purchased by the clan.
I think the estate should be bought for our clan too so that we are allowed to walk the halls of our ancestors, and get to feel close to them.
I would LOVE to have family history like this I hope one day to move to Scotland and see sites our family help create. The Robertson clan and their ancestors basically shaped the face of a lot Scotland and Ireland. It’s nice to know my name carries weight in history and present time. The more you know, eh cousins?
I pray for the means to purchase our home Clan Donnachaidh my son Robert F M Duncan XV, my father Robert F. m. Duncan, LTC USA Ret., his father Robert F M Duncan XIII born in AK 1897 died in San Francisco, His Father Robert FM Duncan XII opened AK Power and Light and was a miner partnered with Thomas Mein I would love to find his father in Scotland. My maternal Grandfather BG John R Burns roots in Ireland Ulster area and probably Gallowglass settled in VA/Washington DC. We are going to Ireland in SEP to enjoy the country but would love to find relations.
Perhaps we ban the clan and collect from the Duncan Robertson clans a pitch into a fund to again own this property set in up as a massive B & B and museum that clan members are welcomed and honored at receptions each evening, hosting tattoos, games and keeping our culture alive
I am the son of Rev. Richard Robertson Renton[deceased] of Glasgow Scotland. He told me that he is part of the Robertson clan? and also mentioned that the clan is an offshoot of them. Would anyone be able to provide any background for me? I live in British Columbia Canada.
Colin L. Robertson December 8, 2016 at 3:32 am
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
While the Clan name is rightly Donnachaidh, many of us worldwide naturally tend to relate equally well to the family surname,
My own family emigrated from Stornoway, Isle of Lewis and arrived in Bannockburn, Otago, New Zealand in the mid 1800′s. The walls of my Grandfathers house in Bannockburn Otago are of rammed earth and the house has only had four owners.
The 700th anniversary of the battle of Bannockburn was celebrated in Bannockburn New Zealand in a field opposite my Grandparents house.
It would certainly be great (and appropriate) if the Clan could purchase Dall estate.
Regards to all.
Hello to my extended family! I concur that we should purchase the property. Heritage/family means everything. For myself, a history buff, learning more about US brings me closer to all of you. I hail from Virginia, USA.
Hi, I was just wondering if anyone knew if it was still for sale or not, I’m unable to find it on any website at the moment.
I am the great great granddaughter of Peter Robertson who travelled to Melbourne Australia and settled in a little valley in north east Victoria called Wandiligong. He was a gold miner and very successful at that. The family home is still up there in the valley and the gully (Belle’s Gully) that runs alongside the house is named after my grandmother, Isabella Cockburn Robertson. They came from New Lanark, Lanarkshire, Scotland. I do hope that the clan has bought it and I will definitely visit the next time I am in Scotland.
My grandfather was Donald Ogilvy Robertson. I would give anything to be able to come back to the Scotland my grandmother (who married him) used to tell me about. I am alone but not rich enough to even think of buying the Estate. But, would that not be a dream come true!!!
We all agree that it should be owned by the Clan. We could make it a Museum of who we were and who we are now for Generation to visit and learn our history.
Beautiful estate, wondering if it is still on the market (9/22/18).
Lovely fantasy to think of having that home and grounds to wander and commune with our ancestors.
Hi this is William Robert Blake a ancestor of James Alexander Roberts (on) that arrived in AMERICA in 1760 from Scotland. I AM in Love with his families ancestoral home he grew up in. Please wait and hold the home for me. I will be back in touch with you. God Bless Robert de Bruce my name sake and King James I.
Hi this is William Robert Blake a ancestor of James Alexander Roberts (on) that arrived in AMERICA in 1760 from Scotland. My question to you is was his Father Clan Leader in the time of 1760 or before.
I am sorry I made a simple mistake thinking that my ancestor James Alexander Roberts (on) grew up there. Could you please answer my question as to whether or not he was the son of the Clan leader at the time he arrived in America in 1760.
If the answer is Yes that James Alexander Roberts (on) was the eldest So of the Clan Chief I will purchase the estate. If not or reply from you on this website as a posting I will buy a penthouse in London.
I don’t need a public admission about my ancestor James Alexander Roberts (on). I dearly want the estate and was only pulling your leg about a penthouse in London. I will be buying it soon.
To prove I AM a heir of the Robertson surname go to my Facebook Page and look at my resemblance in my photos. As well as my family tree I am a son of James Monroe Roberts and Autha Mae Roberts traced back to James Alexander Roberts of 1760 from Scotland.
My Facebook Page is William Blake wearing a New England Patriots dark blue and gray lettering holding a camera and smiling while taking my photo.
A Scottish Rite Mason ring is Black for the Gaelic blac or Blake and the Royal Family of Scotland the Clan Donnachaidh Robertson and William Robert Blake.
Hello, my name is Laura Ann Wilson, I am the daughter of Charles Robert Wilson. I am the Granddaughter of Gertrude K. Robertson, who is the Daughter Ray Robertson, son of Francise Robertson, Son of William O. Robertson, son of Jessi Robertson, son of John Robertson, son of William H. Robertson, son of William Robertson of 16th century, William Robertson of 1530 century, Son of David Robertson of 1499 century, Son of John Robertson, 1499, Son of Sir A. Robertson of the 1440, married to Lady E. Stewart from 1440_ 1505. I am amazed at the family tree, My son has brought forward for me!! I am very proud to learn I am a descendent of the Robertson Clan, ( The Donnachaidh’s) I am so excited to see our Crest, shield, our family’s kilt cloth. ,Finding that I am of( royal blood) is so fascinating! I am now researching into our past more and more every day. HELLO TO ALL OF YOU ROBERTSONS, MY FAMILY!! GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!
I have been researching back through my Grandmother’s side of the family and found a link to Lesmahagow and then went further back and came across how the Dobsons were in some way by association, part of the clan and that this is the ancestral home as it were.I even found a link back to Duncan I as well which is astonishing [yep, that Duncan].
If only I had the cash. I would be buying it in a heartbeat. What a lovely place and it is a pity that some super rich lout will no doubt end up buying it. Should stay in the clan.
The Clan Donnachaidh Society has a website, and would, I’m sure, be glad to accept any and all donations towards the purchase and upkeep of this beautiful estate.
Like so many other Scottish Clans, Clan Donnachaidh lost most of its holdings in Scotland after the Battle of Culloden, for supporting Prince Charlie. It would be wonderful if this estate could return to clan holdings….
Diana Elle MacDhonnachaidh is my maiden name.
Yes, It would be well done to see it in person. I have not been back to mae country since 2008 due for business here in the States.
It would be wonderful to have a place to come back to when I return.
Cheers!
BritStyle Company
Hendersonville NC
Hello from Australia. My name is Ian Robertson Morton, my older brother Robert Bruce Morton. Sadly I was not brought up with any knowledge of our heritage however I would love to seek any information. My Grandmother was Freda Finlay (nee Robertson) and lived in Melbourne. My Father’s name is Robert William Shearer Morton, a Jordie I believe.
Where do I start?
My maternal grandfather was Samuel William Robert Robertson, known as “Robbie”. His great grandfather, George Robertson moved from Edinburgh to Gloucester in around 1785. My grandfather always maintained that his family line had been cheated out of the chieftainship of the Clan Donnachaidh. He reckoned a distant branch of the family should not have inherited the title, owing to the ancestor spending more than six months of every year outside Scotland – this branch had settled in Jamaica. Sadly the male line of my grandfather has died out as his only son (my late uncle) remained a bachelor all his life with no children. It’s a shame the line cannot continue through daughters!
My name is Rolland Roberts and I am also related to the old clan chiefs,If some one buys if they should donate it to the clan.they should realize the upkeep would be in the millions,you would half to be very whealthy.! My great grand father was named after James Alexander Roberts,His name Alexander Roberts from Wetseal county West virigina,then a part of northern Virigina.The Roberts came to America and Seattle’s in Pa.then moved out from there!
My late mother was a Robertson and I am truly stuck with the Robertson family tree.
My grandfather was James Edward Robertson and married to Maud Atcheler.
My great grandfather was James Duncan Robertson and married to Gertrude Epsom
Then I am stuck
How on earth have you all managed to do this family tree tracing with the name Robertson!
I am Jean Robertson, born in London UK
My family immigrated to Canada in 1955. I have thus far only visited Edinburgh, Scotland and would love to visit the highland and learn more about the history of my clan.
Could anyone please recommend a place to stay and the best area to begin my search for my family history?
I realize that the Scottish weather is similar to parts of Canada and can be a bit unpredictable. Which months are optimum for a driving holiday?
Thanking you in advance,
In ancient Gaelic Dob translates to Rob. The Dobson’s are listed as a sept of Donnachaidh. Cheers