Johnston Carmichael appointed administrators for Birkwood Estates 

Johnston Carmichael has been appointed as administrator for Birkwood Estates, which was developing a 17th century Gothic mansion into a luxury hotel.

Birkwood Castle, in Lesmahagow, Lanarkshire, is now for sale with planning permission, as well as adjacent land consented for residential development.

The hotel was scheduled to open in spring 2019, and the administrators are now seeking buyers to take the site forward.

Administrator Donald McNaught, partner at Johnston Carmichael, said: “This is an historic site which the previous developers knew had enormous potential as a hotel. The local authorities and community are very supportive of attempts to preserve an important feature of the area’s heritage.

“We’re hopeful of being able to find a buyer who recognises the opportunity presented by the site, so the future of this local landmark can be secured.”

The castle, a former psychiatric hospital, is reputed to be one of the most haunted places in the UK, with local paranormal experts taking a keen interest in reported ghostly activities at the site.