Yellow Castle, 53-59 West Road

The Yellow Castle is certainly the most eye-catching property on West Road. Named for its appearance rather than its function, it dates probably from 1812 and was built by George Just. The most likely explanation for the Castle’s architectural extravagances with its turrets, balconies and varied windows, was that it provided an opportunity for George Just to showcase his building skills.

A wartime view of the Castle with the white black-out lines painted on the kerb.

There is no link inside the building between the upper and lower floor, and in the upper part there is an unusual circular hall with balcony. It seems that no members of the Just family ever lived there, and throughout the nineteenth century it was always home to several families at any one time. The Castle was owned by members of the Just family until the 1940s.

Sarah Meaker has written a full history of the castle

Artist Len Fullerton

More recently in the 1960s and 70s it was owned and occupied by the wildlife artist and illustrator  Len Fullerton and his wife. Fullerton became one of the leading British illustrators of his time.

Fullerton was born in Aberdeen and emulated his brothers and sisters who were all keen artists. Although without formal training he started having drawings exhibited at the Royal Scottish Academy while still a teenager, and attended evening classes to develop his skills. He worked as an illustrator with D C Thomson before turning freelance. His work appeared in many leading publications. Childhood readers of Eagle Annual, Girl Annual  and Swift Annual as well as Look and Learn Magazine will be familiar with his work. He also provided the illustrations for many magazine covers and books.

Local Inspiration

Fullerton drew much of his inspiration from Tentsmuir and Morton Lochs. His contribution to wildlife and conservation was recognised with the honorary position of Warden of Tentsmuir Point and Morton Lochs National Nature Reserve.

Fullerton died of a heart attack in Blair Atholl in 1969, aged 60.