Borgue Old House, Borgue

Important 17th century house now roofless but mostly complete to wall-head. Unusual plan, not all of one build. Rectangular central block with long walls to N and S gables to E and W, projecting wings at end bays with gable heads to S (that to W being shorter), projecting wing (possibly stair tower) to centre of N wall. To S a single storey outbuilding adjoins the SE tower which probably originally formed part of a courtyard wall enclosing the S side of the house. 2 storeys and attics, rubble walling, squared quoins. The RCAHMS Inventory gives the main block and SE wing as being original, with the SW tower and the N wing as later additions. The main entrance is centrally placed to the S elevation and is flanked by generously proportioned windows, all roll-moulded with thick section mouldings. Most other openings are roll-moulded or chamfered, a good number of the roll-mouldings have been reused. There is a roll-moulded chimneypiece to ground with corbel stones supporting lintel, otherwise few internal features survive. Stacks to gable heads, gables with remains of kneeler skewputts. Single storey rubble outbuilding abutting SE tower with to the S wall a rubble voussoired round-arched fireplace (possibly earlier cooking hearth) converted in 19th century to house brick-lined 2-oven kiln fireproof roof (partly fallen) to this section with metal angle-irons supporting large slates. The purpose of the small kiln is not known. (Historic Scotland)

August 2008: External inspection finds that the building remains ruinous. The wallheads are overgrown and the upper courses of the walls and chimneys appear precariously balanced. The interior is overgrown.

May 2011: External inspection finds no significant change from the previous site visit.

11 April 2014: External inspection finds the building remains in much the same condition as seen previously.

26 July 2024: Desk based assessment finds the property remains At-Risk.