As of 2021, the castle was operating as a hotel.[4]
Prehistory
The small island of Shapinsay has been inhabited since prehistoric times, the most notable evidence being the extant Broch of Burroughston, located not far from Balfour Castle to the northeast;[5] moreover, the Mor Steinstanding stone dating to the Stone Age is found also to the east of Balfour Castle, evidencing even earlier presence of man in the vicinity.