I am appalled to see it disappearing like this

Brian Parnell Stirling Civic Trust

The estate, five miles east of Callander, is owned by Alistair Dickson, who has been the laird for some 20 years. The land has been in his family for three generations.

Three weeks ago he approached Stirling Castle and told the local authority that the house was in a dangerous state following the recent storms.

BBC Scotland has obtained footage showing the demolition of the property at the weekend.

Brian Parnell, of Stirling Civic Trust, said the building - which was more of a large country mansion than a castle - had once been "very impressive".

'Ruinous state'

He told BBC Scotland that the trust had become interested in the property about six years ago when there was a danger it could be damaged.

"I am appalled to see it disappearing like this," he said.

"It was in a fairly ruinous state, but that of course was a recent thing.

"It was a very unusual building - you could not say it was one particular style or another."

It is understood that the catagory B listed building was demolished without consent.

Mr Parnell pointed out that this was an offence, adding: "I hope that the council and Historic Scotland will take it further."