Located near Aberdeen this quality forty bedroom Country House Hotel situated in the heart of Scotlands Castle Trail and Whisky Trail. The perfect Accommodation base for Golf, Fishing, Leisure and Romantic Breaks.

A warm Scottish Welcome awaits you in this charming privately owned Country House. Set in beautiful Landscaped grounds, nestling on the banks of the River Dee in Royal Deeside, home to Scotland’s Castle, Golf and Whisky Trails.

Marculter Hotel Values

Maryculter House Hotel is unique among Scottish Country House Hotels as it is founded on the site where the Knights Templar once trained, in around 1227AD. So experience for yourself the lifestyle of the Scottish nobility in one of Scotland’s finest Country House Hotels.

About Us
Customer Service Promise

We promise to provide a warm friendly welcome by polite well dressed unassuming employees willing to help, where nothing is too much trouble, in a relaxed environment. Where the guest feels special and wanted from a professional service delivered to a Five Star standard.
Enviromental Policy

We are committed to achieving between 5-10% reduction in the amount of electricity, waste products and water produced or used. This will be achieved by using and changing to efficient energy saving methods and enviromental policies. Our future aim is to achieve the Green Tourism Business Scheme Gold Award, from the Silver we currently hold.

Situated on the banks of the famous River Dee, this collection of buildings is steeped in Scottish History. Dating back to the 12th Century, clearly documented through King John, Bonnie Price Charlie and even the Titanic Disaster, this was at one time the homeland of the Knights Templar, who gave pilgrims protected passage on their way to the Holy Land.

The House became a Hotel shortly after Word War II and has been undergoing a programme of refurbishment for the past couple of years.

An abundance of natural stone and exposed fireplaces, with tall beamed ceilings that convey a theatrical style, the Hotel has been carefully enhanced by stylish decoration to create a winning combination of modern luxury with period detail.

Whether you visit to the Grampian Region is for business in Europe’s Oil Capital, a relaxing break to get away, or just looking for an adventurous holiday, Maryculter House Hotel is the perfect place to stay.

Choose from one of our forty luxury bedrooms, all fitted with ancillary facilities you would expect to find in a quality Hotel, down to Broadband telephone facilities in all bedrooms.

Dine in either of our quality restaurants, serving only the finest of Scottish produce, cooked and presented by a dedicated, professional Kitchen Brigade, who take pride in their cuisine. Then finish off dinner in the historic setting of the Resident’s Lounge, with its grand open fire and stone walls dating back to 1225 AD. You will then see that Scottish History becomes a compelling part of your stay at Maryculter House Hotel.

A perfect base in which to explore Scotland’s tourist trails. At the heart of Scotland’s Castle & Whisky country, where we have more Castles per Acre then anywhere in the UK, nearly 300 if you wanted to count them all! The main Castle trail takes in 11 of the finest examples of Scotland’s building heritage (including Balmoral Castle, home to the British Royal Family).

Once you have completed the Castle Trail, a small stones-throw away is the World’s only Malt Whisky Trail situated in Moray, a route which takes in eight of Scotland’s finest Malt Whisky Distilleries. Then take a short stroll along the North-East scenic costal trail, taking in many of the picturesque and beautiful villages.

Looking for a more active break? Then look no further! The Grampian area offers a multitude of sports and leisure pursuits, from the excellent golf courses (over 50 to choose form) the most famous being the Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, to the superb fishing on the rivers Dee, Spey and Deveron. Then venture into the natural majestic environment of the mountains, forests and rivers, where you can participate in activities ranging from skiing, cycling, canoeing, shooting, off-road driving, gliding, diving and rafting, to name but a few.

Visit Aberdeen City (Europe’s Oil Capital) rich in history from its maritime past of boat building and fishing industries, nowadays modernised with the growth of the Oil and Gas industries. From the Art Galleries, Museums, Theatres and shopping venues, you will find something to suit everyone in this diverse multi-national City.

Over the years, guests from all corners of the World have been welcomed to Maryculter House Hotel and its warm friendly atmosphere, by charming polite employees in a relaxed environment and this tradition has continued to this very day. Don’t just take my word for it, come and visit us for yourself.

I look forward to welcoming you to our Hotel.

Yours Sincerely

Andrew Davies
General Manager / Director

Lickleyhead Castle

* Sleeps 14
* 30 minutes drive from Aberdeen airport
* 7 bedrooms, 5 doubles and 2 twin rooms
* 5 bathrooms – full baths, hip baths & showers

Very few Scottish castles match the splendour of Lickleyhead. The old Great Hall has an impressive drawing room with huge log fire, the room is decorated in period style and furnished with antiques. The dining room which is wood panelled sits 14 people.  The seven bedrooms are beautifully decorated, five of which are double and one is a four poster. There are two twin bedrooms and most bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms.

We would like to congratulate you on your forthcoming wedding and we extend every best wish for your future.

Your Wedding Day is an unforgettable occasion and at King’s College we can ensure a memorable setting, offering an elegant selection of venues from the intimate atmosphere of Private Dining Rooms for small wedding parties to the splendid historic setting of Elphinstone Hall for the larger weddings.

Set in the heart of historic Old Aberdeen with its cobbled streets and fine Scottish architecture, the University of Aberdeen has been an integral part of the city for over five hundred years. The impressive facade of King’s College and the surrounding gardens create a romantic backdrop for your wedding photographs, whilst the interior offers the perfect venue in which to host your reception

King’s College, Aberdeen is an unforgettable venue for your unforgettable day. We have a dedicated team of event staff committed to ensuring that everything runs smoothly both prior to and during the day itself. An experienced wedding coordinator will give you advice, answer any queries and provide any assistance you may need in the organisation of your reception.

You will find in this website information about the facilities and the wedding packages available to you.

Kings-College-Aberdeen

Welcome to
Campus Services

Campus Services is one of the University of Aberdeen’s largest administrative departments, responsible for a wide range of commercial activity within the institution.

From student residences to hotel accommodation, retail to restaurants, and from delivered catering to large scale dinner dances and weddings, Campus Services serves the needs of students, staff, visitors and external organisations on a daily basis.

With over 300 staff and a portfolio of commercial activity spanning all sites, Campus Services is a key part of life at the University of Aberdeen whether you are studying, working or visiting.

We look forward to welcoming you into one of our many areas soon.

Address
Invercauld Castle
Braemar
Ballater
Aberdeenshire
AB35 5TS   » Google map  [N: 57:02:37  W: 3:25:10]

Telephone: 01339 741216

Invercauld is a private Estate. We offer a world-class venue and a unique package tailored to your requirements. Details will be discussed in confidence and a quotation submitted for your approval. A booking can then follow with agreed terms and conditions of payment.

Invercauld has been rebuilt a number of times, with part of the present building dating back to the 13th century. In the early 1700s, Alexander Farquharson, the seventh Laird of Invercauld, was largely responsible for rebuilding and enlarging the Castle along with start of the landscaping.

The tenth Laird of Invercauld, James Farquharson, was responsible for planting over eighteen million trees on the Estate giving rise to timber production, which supplied the needs of the shipyards in Aberdeen. Game in and around the vestiges of the Mar Forest became abundant.

The start of the 1800s saw the division of the extensive Farquharson landholdings into individual farmsteads.

In 1817 the traditional Highland Games were resurrected under the aegis of the local Lairds, the venue of the annual gathering alternated between Mar Lodge, Braemar Castle and Invercauld. This revived fashion was confirmed by new Royal interest, initiated by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who were frequent visitors to Invercauld. The Highland Games season starts in July with the final Games held at Braemar always on the first Saturday of September and still enjoys Royal Patronage.

» A History of Grouse Shooting at Invercauld
» A History of Salmon Fishing at Invercauld

In the lowlands of Aberdeenshire, in the midst of spacious, undulating countryside, stands a building which is, historically, one of the most interesting in Scotland. The Castle of Fyvie, in the centre of a parish of the same name, occupies a commanding position on the left bank of the river Ythan. Great enshrouding woods recede from it to leafy hills where the sunlight only penetrates dimly. Near the Castle glimmer the waters of a wide, still lake. Over all broods an air of mystery, of romance.

I created this web site to introduce new books  and provide more information on Fyvie Castle and its Lairds – and to encourage people to visit a place whose history goes back to the year 1211. I will be updating the site with new items of interest as I find them.

The Castle is now a National Trust for Scotland property, and links to the National Trust’s website are included in this one.

Please enter to find out more about Fyvie Castle and the availability of my books:

‘Fyvie Castle, Its Lairds and Their Times’ and ‘Fyvie Castle Unexplained’ (about the hauntings).

The Fife Lodge Hotel is the perfect hotel to stay for visitors to the North East of Scotland for whether for Golf, Fishing, Walking, Castles, Whisky and Adventure or just a quiet break. Set in private grounds and with one of the largest Ballrooms in Aberdeenshire the hotel has an excellent reputation for Weddings

Popular places to visit and things to do in the area include: Duff House Country House Gallery, Fyvie Castle, Delgatie Castle, The Whisky Trail, Pennan, Historic Harbours, Banff Links, Macduff Marine Aquarium.

Visitors to the area will find many breath taking views of the countryside and long golden sandy beeches, great for romance artist and photographers. Every few miles there will be a historic site from cliff top castles over looking the Moray Firth to hidden from view sites of former medieval palaces and stately homes.

With the rich fertile Buchan land and the fantastic seafood from the North Sea, if you have a taste for the best cuisine anywhere there will be a dish to suite everyone.

The Banffshire coast is fantastic for the water enthusiast. Enjoy fishing in a secluded sheltered rocky bay. Sail along the coast along with the Dolphins and see all the wildlife. Or try a bit of wind surfing or jet biking. There are many harbours to sail to and from.

Set in a idyllic location and surrounded by the superb Scottish Countyside, the 19th century Drumtochty Castle is the perfect place for a memorable event.Whether you are looking for a private weekend refuge, a peaceful hideaway form reality, a romantic Wedding celebration or an exclusive business gathering your visit to the castle will be a unique experiences.We invite you to enjoy the castle exclusively as your own, or with family and friends, and celebrate that special moment in you life in a relaxed and historic atmosphere.

Located 8 miles west of Aberdeen, it is a pleasant place to visit with extensive grounds, woodland walks and historic rose garden. Inside there is lots to see too – portraits, furniture, vaulted ceilings decorated with shields, great hall, 16th century chapel, and much more. Well worth a visit. Small shop, tearoom and children’s playground also on site.

The Castle is open from Easter – 30 June and 1 – 31 October 12.30 – 5pm (closed Tuesdays and Fridays). Castle open 1 July – 31 August daily 11am – 5pm. Grounds open daily all year. Telephone 01330 811 204.
Owned by the National Trust for Scotland.
For wedding enquiries – please click here

A visit to Drum Castle can be included on your customised itinerary with ClansandCastles.com who offer personal guided trips from Aberdeen and Inverness. You can also visit places on the Aberdeenshire Castle Trail on the same day. Just contact ClansandCastles.com with your requirements.

Celia Ffitch-Stewart is a fully insured driver-guide with Mercedes limousine for private tailor-made guided tours. Half day, full day or extended tours. Themes to suit your interests can be arranged including The Castle Trail. Meet your clan chief, trace your roots, stay in a castle. Airport collection (Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen or Inverness). Services can include itinerary planning and accommodation reservations. Also available for weddings. Member of HOSTGA (Highlands of Scotland Tour Guide Association).

The following article was kindly written by Dennis Ervin especially for this page:

Possibly the oldest occupied castle in Scotland, Drum Castle in Aberdeenshire, was home to the Irvine family for more than six and a half centuries, a full twenty-four generations of nearly unbroken succession. The original tower keep, standing seventy feet from base to battlement and fifty feet on a side with walls twelve feet thick at the base is thought to have been built during the reign of Alexander III in the mid-thirteenth century. While the architect of the Tower of Drum is unknown the work is generally attributed to Richard Cementarius, the first provost of Aberdeen. Several prominent interior features of the tower are identical to other structures that are known to be the work of Cementarius and so Drum Tower is credited to him as well. The rambling stone mansion and Jacobean house that now surround the original tower were built during the reign of Alexander, the 9th Laird of Drum and completed in 1619.

Most recently the home of the late Capt. Hay of Delgatie, Feudal Baron, the Castle has largely been in the Hay family for the last 650 years. It was taken from the Earl of Buchan after the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, when Robert the Bruce routed the invading English army. Mary Queen of Scots stayed at Delgatie for three days after the Battle of Cirrichie in 1562. Her bedchamber is on view to the visitor.

Like many Scottish castles, Delgatie was rebuilt in the 16th century. The invention of the siege gun necessitated greater fortifications, and the 1570 rebuilding provided 8-14 feet thick walls. The main tower dates from about 1100, while its final extension with the battlement walk above the string course was completed in 1579. Both wings were added in 1743 with the chapel and dovecote on the west and the kitchen and servants’ quarters on the east.

Some of the rooms still boast their original 16-century painted ceilings, which are considered some of the finest in Scotland. Strange animals are depicted — some with human heads thought to represent the actual inhabitants of the time.

The turnpike stair of 97 treads is reputed to be one of the widest in Scotland, measuring over five foot. It is unusual for this to be built within the thickness of the wall and for the stairs to go from bottom all the way to the top.

It is the intention to expand the collections and exhibits each year, and to continue to improve the facilities for visitors. It is our sincere hope that you will enjoy your visit to Delgatie and decide to return, as we are certain the castle offers more than a single visit can satisfy

www.watermill.net
We’ve moved….
…to Posara, Tuscany

We’ve moved from Castle of Park, which is now somebody else’s private home and no longer available for courses, weddings or getaway weekends.  But our fun-filled, inspirational creative writing courses and painting holidays have now moved to our lovely Tuscan home, The Watermill at Posara.  Click below to find out more.  Thank you for your support in the past.  We look forward to seeing you in La Bella Toscana.

Holidays at the Watermill at Pasara, Tuscany
Welcome to a true Italian holiday venue in Tuscany

Secluded millstream gardens, sun-drenched terraces, millstone tables under the vines for meals al fresco…… just some of the special charms of our historic watermill. The mill has been beautifully restored and furnished and all the bright, well decorated bedrooms enjoy lovely views over the river, the gardens or the mountains.

We specialise in relaxing, inspiring, fun-filled painting holidays and creative writing courses. We also offer unique self-catering holiday accommodation in five self-contained apartments.

For more information, please select from the picture menu below.
We would love you to join us.

Lois and Bill Breckon

Painting holidays in rural Tuscany

Our beautiful and historic watermill stands beside the River Rosaro in the small village of Posara. Peaceful and secluded, yet part of the village, the mill is just a mile or so from the walled medieval town of Fivizzano with its cafés, restaurants and shops. This is the heart of Lunigiana, in the North-west of Tuscany.

Lunigiana feels very different from the rest of Tuscany: it is bordered by high mountains and the sea. The scenery, with steep-sided valleys wooded with chestnut and European oak and overlooked by mountain crags and ruined fortresses, is unexpected and breath-taking, yet the unspoilt villages and towns of Lunigiana are close to the sea and the resorts of the Golf of the Poets (where Byron and Shelley stayed) and less than an hour from the marvellous walled city of Lucca and from Pisa airport.

Set in a gentle valley with mountain peaks in the background, the mill is a peaceful spot, yet is within easy reach of the sea and the tourist attractions of Tuscany.

We have lovingly restored the historic buildings and created five self-contained apartments around a courtyard. These apartments come together for our painting and creative writing courses. The bright and airy rooms are well decorated and tastefully furnished. All enjoy lovely views of the the river, the gardens or the mountains.

Around the mill there’s a walled garden, a vine verandah, a lavender garden and riverside gardens, all with tables and chairs and providing delightful spots for sun-kissed or shady relaxation and contemplation. Then there are further secluded private gardens where you can stroll beside the millstream for about a quarter of a mile.