Sir James Matheson

James Matheson was born in Lairg, Sutherland and co-founded the Jardine Matheson company in Canton in 1832.  He returned to Scotland in 1842, having made a considerable fortune in the Far East, partly from the Chinese opium trade.  In 1844 he purchased the Island of Lewis from the Mackenzie Trustees for £190,000.

Matheson commissioned the renowned architect Charles Wilson to design his new island residence on the site of the Mackenzies' Seaforth Lodge.  Building work started in 1847 and the £60,000 project took seven years to complete.

A further £49,000 was spent on transforming the rough grazing land around the new Castle into extensive woodland policies and private gardens.  The temperate climate and shelter from the initial planting of hardy species created ideal growing conditions for wide range of native and imported species.  A large conservatory complex, added in 1875 by Alex Sutherland, housed the more exotic and delicate species.

The creation of the Castle Grounds involved the clearance of tenants and the re-routing of public roads, which did not endear the new proprietor to the local population.  To balance his private indulgences, Sir James Matheson spent considerable sums on schemes and projects to provide employment, relieve famine and create essential infrastucture throughout the island.

On his death in 1878 the estate fell to his widow Lady Jane Matheson and subsequently to his nephew Donald and grand-nephew Colonel Duncan Matheson.  For financial reasons the Lewis estate and the Castle were placed on the market in 1917.