Former Kilgraston School building and grounds put on the market

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A Perthshire school building and grounds has been put on the market after it closed for good in summer

Long-established independent Bridge of Earn school Kilgraston, which had operated since the 1930s, shut its doors just before the start of the August term after an investor pulled out of a funding deal.

As a result the Kilgraston Board of Trustees said they had no choice but to close due to both a short- and long-term funding deficit.

Estate agents Savills announced this week that “on the instructions of the Trustee in Bankruptcy, Savills is launching Kilgraston to the market.”

The Kilgraston site for sale includes the main A-listed building, 55.45 acres, teaching and boarding accommodation, a chapel and theatre space, 25m indoor swimming pool, gymnasium as well as sports pitches and residential properties.

Kilgraston dates back to the 13th Century. Kilgraston House was originally designed by Francis Grant in the late 18th century and later extended by Scottish architect Sir Robert Rowand Anderson.

The site was purchased by the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1930 and opened as a school.

Danielle Corker of estate agents Savills commented: “Kilgraston represents a rare opportunity to acquire a site of historical significance with redevelopment potential.

“The blend of historical architecture and modern facilities offers a unique investment prospect, and we look forward to presenting it to the market and exploring how this iconic property might be transformed for future use.”

In summer 2023 Kilgraston had faced closure, but Achieve Education Ltd, which also owns two independent schools in England, stepped in to keep the Perthshire private boarding school open.

But the August 2024 statement the Kilgraston Board of Trustees spokesperson said: “Last year was extremely difficult for the Kilgraston community, as we faced significant challenges to keep the school open.

“Education provider Achieve Education stepped in to financially support and manage the school in the short term and to buy the school in the longer term.

“Unfortunately, recent unexpected changes within Achieve Education have resulted in them reassessing their commitment to investing in Kilgraston and they are unable to proceed with the legal purchase of the school.

“As a result, we have been left with both a short- and long-term funding deficit.

“The Board of Trustees has explored a number of opportunities in a bid to save the school, but unfortunately none of these have offered a financially viable solution. This leaves the school with no choice but to close.”

Discussions had been taking place “to ensure that alternative arrangements can be made for all affected.”

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