Centuries-old castle consumed by nature

By Elizabeth Hunter

Stunning pictures show a ruined castle once home to the head of Tennent's brewery - but being reclaimed by nature.

Dunalastair House lies in picturesque surroundings in the southern Highlands but latest images show it as a shadow of its former self.

Trees, nettles and bracken have now engulfed the castle that lies 18 miles from the Perthshire town of Pitlochry.

Constructed in 1859 by local architect Andrew Heiton, it was originally the home of General Sir John Macdonald, who commanded land forces in Scotland.

In 1881, Sir John's son Alastair sold the property to Hugh Tennent, the great-great-grandson of the Wellpark Brewery founder - now known as Tennent's Brewery, which produces the best-selling beer in Scotland.

Tennent owned the mansion for just nine years, until he passed aged just 27.

During the Second World War, the home served as a school for the children of Polish refugees - but suffered a devastating fire which destroyed a valuable painting by John Everett Millais.

It fell into disuse by 1952, and its contents were sold at auction two years later.

The abandoned mansion became a popular target for vandals in the 1960s.

After opportunists stole the lead from the roof, the building began quickly falling into a state of decay.

Deer fences were erected around the property to keep would-be trespassers out - and today, the imposing structure has been taken over by trees, nettles and bracken.

Many proposals to restore the mansion have been made, but none have succeeded due to the cost and the extent of the repairs needed.