The Cairn Hotel Group offers an inspiring range of hotels located throughout England and Scotland that make the perfect base for relaxing, value-for-money leisure breaks all year round.

- Victorian elegance with modern amenities in vibrant cities and historic towns across the UK
- Spacious bedrooms with modern amenities and wireless high speed internet
- Culinary delights at hotel Restaurants & cocktails at stylish hotel bars
- Leisure Club with indoor pool and fitness area
- Easily accessible by rail, air and road

Whatever your reason for a break you can rest assured that our hotels offer you the best locations, relaxing bedrooms, exciting bars and restaurants, refreshing health and leisure facilities. All these, plus a welcome that is second to none – adding up to the perfect combination for a perfect break.
Book online now and avail of our great discount deals.

Some of the Hotels:
Barkston Gardens Hotel
Cairn Hotel Edinburgh
Cairn Hotel Newcastle
Carlton Hotel
Chasley Hotel
County Hotel
Danum Hotel
Elmbank Hotel
Gardens Hotel
King’s Hotel
Royal British Hotel

Welcome to
‘ P A R R A N D I E R’
The Old Church of Urquhart
We are in Malt-Whisky-Country close to the Grampian Highlands and the Moray Firth.

your uplifting experience in a
DISTINCTLY DIFFERENT
Place-to-Stay in Bonnie Scotland
Andreas & Kris are happy to provide a warm WELCOME!

We are proud of the following awards & special recognitions:

WHICH? -Hotelguide & The Rough Guide & The MICHELIN Guide
Television – ‘Scottish Passport’ and the German ‘ZDF’ & ‘WDR’
Award of Excellence for the Most Unique Holiday Accommodation 2006 by Journal Publishing Company
Featured in “Best Scottish Weddings”-Magazine, Spring/Summer 2007
Member of ‘Unusual Hotels of the World’
Member of ‘Distinctly Different’
Recommended by “Scottish Field” issue June 2007 & ‘Lonely Planet 2007′  & Dumont 2008…

We are in Malt-Whisky-Country close to the Grampian Highlands and the Moray Firth.

…and…NEW *** from Autumn 2009 *** NEW

You are not getting bored with us…a new chance for DISTINCTLY DIFFERENT vacations will soon be on offer…a very special apartment at THE HIGHLAND CLUB/Fort Augustus Abbey…simply check this site OR get your email-address registered with us and we will keep you informed!
Fort Augustus Abbey is – without doubt – one of the finest old buildings in the north of Scotland with a fascinating history…turbulent at times…starting out as a military garrison and -ironically perhaps- later converted into a place of  peace by St Benedictine monks. Recently redeveloped, the abbey now provides a most exclusive holiday home in Scotland .

Surrounded on three sides by water, Fort Augustus Abbey is set on the southern end of Loch Ness in twenty acres of beautiful mature garden grounds which extend right down to the shoreline of Loch Ness, home of the ‘Water Horse’ we call Nessie. The Caledonian Canal forms the western boundary and the river Tarff forms the eastern boundary. Loch Ness, is just 20 minutes drive from the city of Inverness.

THE HIGHLAND CLUB includes a tennis court and cricket pitch, with the ‘Boathouse’ restaurant onsite in the grounds…once the development is completed, an indoor swimming pool, spa facilities, and a club lounge with full sized snooker table will be available for the exclusive use of Highland Club residents and visitors.
The lovely, picturesque village of Fort Augustus is only a couple of hundred yards from the abbey.

Take your time !!!
Browse the site under
‘Its really an Abbey’
and get a feeling for your next exciting trip to BONNIE SCOTLAND..

The Milton Restaurant is set in a unique and stunning setting on the banks of the beautiful River Dee and at the gateway of Royal Deeside. Extremely high quality of personal service and delicious cuisine, together with its welcoming and rustic atmosphere, set it apart from all other restaurants in the area. Serving to underpin these values is the recent award of an AA rosette.

Open daily throughout the year, excluding Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, the Milton is just fifteen minutes from Aberdeen.

Visitors to the Milton will find a flexibility that few other venues can provide. Our Conservatory is the ideal place to meet with friends for a morning coffee or afternoon tea but is also available for discrete functions such as private parties or business meetings. The Restaurant is ideal for dining in relaxed style and whether it be from our All Day Menu, the only restaurant on Deeside to provide such a facility, or a more formal A La Carte offering provided on a Saturday night, along with live piano music, guests are assured of excellence in whatever they choose.Scotland’s food trail

All this and more! The Milton Marquee is the original blank canvas that can be transformed into a fairy tale backdrop for a romantic wedding, a glamorous party night, promotional exercise or a fun and functional BBQ. Customers can also experience the Milton’s great food and service in the venue of their choice with our outside catering services. Whatever the event, with our experienced and dedicated Events Team, customers are assured of excellent service and peace of mind.

Virtually hidden from the general public for over 50 years, the Loch of Aboyne was constructed in Victorian times to serve the needs of a select few, today everyone can now enjoy this beautiful and historic part of Royal Deeside.
The Lodge on the Loch features a 9 hole golf course, Health and Beauty Spa, function room and a variety of dining to suit every occasion.
Sitting just meters from the Loch’s shore and set against the Cairngorm national park. It’s an ideal opportunity to take time out and indulge in Scotland’s tranquility

Tel: 013398 86444 Email info@thelodgeontheloch.com

Golf Course                   Open 7 Days a week
Health and Beauty Spa   Open 7 Days by appointment
Functions/Celebrations   Open 7 Day
Restaurant and Bar        Open 7 days a week 10am – 10pm

Lochside Restaurant

Lochside Restaurant
Bistro Bar
Golf Centre

Golf Centre
Health & Beauty Spa

Health & Beauty Spa
Functions Celebrations

Functions Celebrations
Weddings
Corporate Events
Osprey

Where
are we?
The Lodge on the Loch of Aboyne
The Lodge on the Loch of Aboyne – Aboyne Golf Centre Aboyne Aberdeenshire AB34 5BR     Site Map
Links
Take a look at our Special Days Out

Golf Outing

Spa Pamper Days

Corporate/Family Fun Day

“We aim to provide a relaxed affordable fine dining experience served in timeless Scottish tranquillity”

Sandy Cowie our Head Chef took third place in the Open Category at the Grampian Chef of the Year competition on 28th May 2007.

Derek and Jean the Lodge owners were delighted with the result that few, can claim in such a short time in operation. It also culminates the team efforts at the Lodge to achieve Eat Scotland status, and “Cooksafe” the national food safety assurance scheme.

“We aim to provide a relaxed affordable fine dining experience served in timeless Scottish tranquillity”

Welcome to Norwood Hall Hotel! This 19th Century four-star Mansion House is set within 7 acres of private woodland yet is only three miles from the City Centre.

Situated at the gateway to Royal Deeside in an area of outstanding beauty, the cosmopolitan City of Aberdeen is steeped in history with a vast array of museums and art galleries as well as offering fantastic shopping and a vibrant nightlife scene.

With roaring log fires, sweeping staircases and magnificent interior design, Norwood Hall Hotel is the perfect venue for that special occasion.

Here at Norwood Hall we understand the importance of organising a wedding and realise that everything has to be just perfect.

The perfect date…

The perfect setting…

The perfect venue…

As you walk through the door, you are greeted by a romantic atmosphere that fills the air, created by a backdrop of carved ceilings, ornate fireplaces with roaring log fires and rich wood panelling.

Come and see us at our next Wedding Open Day on Saturday, 9th May & Saturday 23rd May from 10am til 12noon.

….. One day

Here at Norwood Hall Hotel, we understand the importance of organising a wedding and realise that everything has to be just perfect.

The perfect date… The perfect setting… The perfect venue…

. . . . As the leaves flutter in the breeze and the sun peaks from behind a cloud, you are driven up a tree-lined avenue, surrounded in seven lush acres of secluded gardens and private woodlands, to be greeted by a magnificent Victorian Mansion which radiates charm and simply oozes character.

As you walk through the door, you are greeted by a romantic atmosphere that fills the air, created by a backdrop of carved ceilings, ornate fireplaces with roaring log fires and rich wood panelling.

For your entire wedding, all of our attention is on you, from the moment that you arrive to the moment that you leave. Let our friendly, professional members of staff take care of your every need while you relax and enjoy your special day.

As the bride and groom, we guarantee red carpet treatment and a complimentary stay in our recently refurbished, beautiful bridal suite.

Now what could be more perfect?

If you wish to view the hotel for your wedding reception, join us on one of our wedding open mornings or book an appointment with our Wedding Sales Manager on the following days;

June – Wed 24th, Thurs 25th, Sat 27th, Tues 30th

July – Wed 1st, Thurs 9th, Fri 10th

Or join us at on of our wedding open days where you can view the Pitfodels set for a wedding;

Saturday 27th June 10am – 12 noon, Thursday 9th July 6pm – 8pm, Saturday 25th July 10am – 12 noon

Telephone our events office on 01224 868951 or e-mail us at weddings@norwood-hall.co.uk

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).