DUNDAS CASTLE: One of Scotland’s Most beautiful Castles With a Fairytale Tower and Winding Staircase
By CATHOLINE BUTLER
Is it because there is something very sexy and handsome about men in kilts? Or is it the cachet of tying the knot in an ancient castle? Whatever the reason, castles seem to be the ideal choice for thousands of couples seeking a truly romantic setting in which to exchange their wedding vows.
LOCATED just outside Edinburgh, Dundas Castle offers a fairytale setting for couples seeking an intimate and romantic setting for their wedding day.
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A host of celebrities have recently entered into matrimony in castles, including Double O actor Pierce Brosnan who was wed in Ashford Castle in Ireland; Georgina Ahearn, daughter of Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Bertie Ahearn, married to Irish pop idol Nicky Byrne of the group Westlife, at Chateau d’Esclimont in France.
But Scottish weddings are most definitely in vogue. A flurry of celebrities have found a haven in Scotland over the past few years in which to pledge their love, including Madonna and her Guy, and Stella McCartney, daughter of Sir Paul McCartney.
It would seem that these celebrities have suddenly discovered what people have known for years – that Scotland provides the perfect backdrop for a fine romance. And for those purists who would like to seal the occasion by reciting their vows in Gaelic.....a crash course can be arranged.
Dundas, near Scotland’s beautiful capital city of Edinburgh, is just five miles from the airport and is one of the country’s most beautiful castles with its fairytale tower, winding staircase and fine barrel vaulted ceilings. It is also a licensed marriage venue – and a most romantic place to get married.
THE ORCHID ROOM is one of a select number of luxurious rooms available to the wedding party.
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Extending over three floors, there are three main rooms - the Great Hall, the Armoury and the Stag Chamber. From its parapet, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the River Forth, the Pentland Hills and surrounding countryside. Originally built in 1818, the property belongs to the Stewart-Clark family for the last 100 years and is the lovingly restored home of Sir Jack and Lady Stewart-Clark, who live in a wing of the castle.
Today it is both a home and one of Scotland’s leading wedding destinations. Dundas castle has been hosting weddings, large and small for many years. However, the castle is increasingly attracting couples from England, Europe, the United States and Canada, who have either Celtic connections or just aspirations to be married abroad.
When you book the castle for your wedding...it’s yours for the day, with no other guests present. There are nine double bedrooms which are all available for the bridal party. The size of the wedding determines which room you use. For instance, the Armoury seats up to 50 people, the Great Hall can accommodate up to 80 people, and the Stag Chamber seats 30. If the wedding is larger, then the grounds within the castle can seat up to 250 people.
The Boat House which is situated on Dundas Castle’s private and secluded loch tends to be used by the couple on their honeymoon night and must be one of Scotland’s most romantic cottages. The double bedroom and en suite bathroom enjoy the sound of lapping water below, with only swans and the stars for company.
For the bride and groom wishing to put the icing on the cake (for a price of course), they can arrive at the wedding in either a vintage Landau or Brougham carriage or as an alternative, Sir Jack Stewart-Clark’s maroon, four-door, Flying Spur Mulliner Bentley. Built in the 1960's, it has been completely restored with plush leather interior and gleaming facia and is available for the bride and groom with a passion for the most desirable of cars.
THE SUMMER BEDROOM offers the best in luxury accommodation at Dundas Castle.
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Now in its fifth year of operation, Dundas Castle, is bucking the tourism trend, having exceeded its target for the financial year by 25 percent. The impact of the Castle’s success can also be felt on the local economy. The castle, which currently employs 25 full-time staff, generates over one million pounds of income for local businesses from caterers to florists to photographers.
Sir Jack Stewart-Clark, chairman of Dundas Castle said, “People have a hugely romantic image of Scotland, especially when it comes to Scottish castles and weddings. Almost two years later, we are still witnessing the knock on effect of Madonna’s wedding with a strong interest in couples wanting to get married in a Scottish castle.”
On the castle property there is a nine hole golf course, squash court, billiard room, clay pigeon shooting, falconry, helicopter tours, hot air ballooning, archery and power boat trips, to name a few of the activities. As well as catering to weddings, Dundas Castle is available for meetings, small conferences and other events.
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For more information about Dundas Castle, call Karen Richards, at (011) 44-131-319-2039, or visit www.dundascastle.co.uk.
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