Calda House stands on the opposite bank of Loch Assynt in Sutherland, north west Highland, Scotland to Ardvreck Castle. It was constructed by the Clan MacKenzie in 1726 and takes its name from the Calda burn beside which it stands. The house burned down under mysterious circumstances one night in 1737. The legend says that the Mackenzie family organised a family gathering there one Saturday and that the celebrations continued past midnight into the Sabbath day. At some point a fire broke out, possibly caused by a lightning strike, and all the inhabitants perished as the house burned to the ground. The causes of the fire are uncertain, but inhabitants of the Assynt area state that it was a manifestation of divine wrath as the family had been merrymaking on the Lord’s Sabbath day. However – at the site of the ruin there is an information plaque which states ( p a r a p h r a s e d ) : Kennet h McKenzie II commissioned the building of Calda House because his wife Frances did not care for the austerity of Ardvreck Castle. The family’s growing debts incurred through supporting the Royalist cause meant that this house was an ill-afforded luxury and after only 10 years the family faced financial ruin. The earl of Sutherland vied with MacKenzie of Seaforth to purchase Assynt and won. Then, on 12th May 1737, the house was looted and burned by MacKenzie supporters who vowed that no Sutherland should live there. So – two stories – take your pick.
End Wall, Calda House by lezvee