Who will get keys to 15th century Kilravock Castle in Highlands placed on market at £4m?

Who will become the new owner of a 15th century castle near Inverness – and what are their future plans for the building steeped in history?

With the deadline now passed for offers on Kilravock Castle at Croy – which was up for sale with a price guide of £4 million – many will be wondering what the future holds for the A-listed building which also boasts an impressive A-list of historic visitors including Mary, Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Duke of Cumberland.

There has been disappointment that last week's closing date appears to dash hopes of a potential community buyout while one community leader says whoever becomes the new owner is the custodian of Scottish history.

• Deadline looms for offers on historic Kilravock Castle

• Pictures: Highland castle visited by Bonnie Prince Charlie

• Campaigners seek support for community buyout of 15th century castle

The 13-bedroom, 10-bathroom castle and its estate – including nine cottages, a former hostel and games hall, 481 acres of farmland and woodland – was the ancestral stronghold of the Clan Rose for centuries.

In 1971, it was handed over to Kilravock Christian Trust by the clan's 25th laird, Elizabeth Rose, who died aged 88 in December 2012.

When the trust placed the castle and estate on the market in August, property company, Galbraith, anticipated global interest with potential future use ranging from a private residence to a bespoke hotel or leisure complex.

As the minutes ticked away to Wednesday's noon deadline for offers to be submitted, Rod Christie, a partner with Galbraith, remained tight-lipped but said: "We don't set a closing date when we don't have sufficient interest to do so."

The news of an impending closing date came as a surprise and disappointment for a campaign group which had started exploring the possibility of buying the castle and its grounds under a community buyout bid as an asset for the people of Croy and Cawdor.

Ideas included community centre with a café, health spa and gym, study centre for summer schools, nursery for pre-school children, office space or a hotel.

It had already spoken to several public sector and potential funding bodies and held a public meeting at which there was enthusiasm for the idea.

The group believes there are questions over why the trustees placed the property on the open market before an expression of interest for a community right to buy could be placed.

It also wants to know what will happen to Clan Rose memorabilia and historically important ephemera in the castle.

Culloden and Ardersier councillor Trish Robertson said putting together a community buyout bid was always going to be a challenge but hoped there would still be some community involvement.

"I think from the start, it was going to be difficult to pull it together," she said.

Councillor Barbara Jarvie, a representative for the neighbouring Nairn and Cawdor ward, was surprised at how quickly a closing date was set.

She had attended a public meeting last month to gauge support for a community buyout.

"It was oozing with enthusiasm about the Kilravock connection with the Rose family," she said.

"There was huge international interest particularly in America among the clan.

"I wonder if the purchaser might be from that direction – either that, or the purchaser might be closer to home?"

She pointed out the castle has more than 800 years of history

"I would hate to see the history of that place lost," she said.

"I hope they treat it with the love and respect it is due.

"They are the custodians of exceptional Scottish history and of the Rose family history."

She also felt that there was still potential for community involvement even if the castle ended up in the hands of a private buyer who clearly had money to do something with it.

"It need not necessarily close the door to opportunities for locals," she said.

"I would hope that local people will be involved in revamping the castle."

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