Stay in a Scottish Castle
Dalhousie Castle
Built over 700 years ago by the Ramsays of Dalhousie, the castle stands majestically above the curving flow of the River Esk, near Bonnyrigg, Midlothian and a short drive from Edinburgh. As a famous noble family - William de Ramsay joined forces with King Robert the Bruce at Bannockburn in 1314 - visitors over the years have included James VI, Queen Victoria, Sir Walter Scott and more recently Sir Cliff Richard. Guest writer Vivien Devlin tells us about her own stay there.
Welcome All
And a rousing greeting we received. A lone piper stood at the top of the impressive double staircase leading up from the front door. Well, he wasn`t actually playing for us, but to herald the Bride, Groom and guests to their wedding reception. The surroundings are quite stunning, not least the ornate gold painted arched ceiling overhead and stained glass windows. Everywhere there are fabulous antique chairs and chests, ceremonial swords and shields, rich mahogany and oak paneling.
The 30 bedrooms and suites all vary in size and character; Most have delightful views and decorated in traditional style fabrics and furnishings, patterned with blue or green fleur de lys, as well as period style furniture, to create a warm and rich environment. We were given the Queen Victoria room with a superb view over the river, has an enormous brass bed and two comfy curl-up-and-read-a-book armchairs. The James VI bedroom has a majestic style, with shades of burgundy, green and tartan to create a regal feeling. The Robert the Bruce room features a rich dark blue decor, with ornate and dramatic drapes over the bed. The de Ramseia Suite set within the castle wall, has a separate sitting room with medieval style furniture and an antique carved oak double bed. To add a touch of contemporary luxury there is also a double jacuzzi bath.
Eating and Drinking in the Castle
Pre-dinner drinks are served in the Library, a cosy nook, with log fire blazing and of course, shelves of ancient leather bound books - books on maps and medicine, poetry and witchcraft - no doubt all going back several generations. The bar itself is concealed behind a false wall of books, from where an extremely friendly and delightful waitress kept magically appearing to tend to guests. Collapsing into old leather armchairs we were given menus along with our drinks. There are six choices per course, so a leisurely aperitif while you read and "digest" the menu is essential.Dinner is served deep down in the Castle dungeons, a fascinating warren of stone corridors, winding staircases and small "cells". No, it is not dark and damp but a truly warm, romantic candle-lit atmosphere, with enormous knights in shining armour towering over you. I began with a generous helping of Gravalax served on a herb salad while my partner enjoyed an unusual carrot and honey soup. We then moved on to a tender fillet of Sea-Bass on a bed of courgettes with a caviar butter sauce for me and a rich and filling vegetarian dish, Brie and Potato crumble, for him.
After all that a wee rest was imperative as we sipped a silky smooth Australian Shiraz. Then to fill a small hole, we finished with a creamy banoffie pie and homemade strawberry icecream.
Back upstairs in the very comfortable library bar we chatted, over coffee and a post-prandial dram or two, to a young couple from Hamilton who were "checking out" Dalhousie as a possible venue for their wedding next year. I think they were most impressed by the unique and genuine historic Castle setting, the friendly service and the inventive and delicious dinner menu. So were we!
Facilities
Dalhousie Castle hosts over 300 weddings a year. There is a private chapel, spacious banqueting rooms and Highland piper . Whatever the occasion of your visit here , the emphasis is on relaxation and enjoyment with a new and luxurious Hydro Spa, where you can be pampered with massages and aromotherapy oils. There are also many sports and activities such as horse-riding, archery and falconry - the sport of Kings!.
Bed and breakfast costs £65 - £85 per person [depending on room size and season] and bookings can be made via Dalhousie Castle Web site.
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