clarson

We are planning a trip to Scotland in the summer of 2006 as a gift to our son who will be graduating from high school. The only thing on the itinerary so far is a trip to the Isle of Barra to visit my clan's ancestral castle. Any recommendations for interesting castles for overnights in other parts of Scotland? We were in France last summer and stayed in Chateau de Canisy near St. Lo. It was two of the most memorable nights I've ever spent traveling. We have checked out some websites but would also like some personal recommendations. Many thanks.

Underhill

Traquair House, while not a castle, is the oldest inhabited stately home in Scotland and a ldelightful place to stay. The house has ties to Mary Queen of Scots (including the bedroom where she stayed), and the larger guest room is big and elegantly decorated. It might be possible to dine with your host and hostess, the Peter Maxwell Stuarts. Peter runs a brewery on the premises, and the product is very, very good.

The estate is large, with acres to explore if you like to walk. There are peacocks on the terrace, too.

sheila

Can you give us any more clue about what else you're interested in?

bigtyke

in 1999 we stayed at a self catering at the Leny Lodge in Callendar. I recently looked at their website and found out that they now also use the north wing of the house which was jpart of the original castle. Just google leny lodge for info

caroline_edinburgh

I got married at Dalhousie Castle (c.8 miles south of Edinburgh) & liked it, although that was before they added the totally incongruous 'orangery'. There are theme rooms - Queen Victoria, etc - and one of them has a well in it ! The main restaurant is in a dungeon and they also have a bottle dungeon - which is actually used as the wine cellar ! I remember reading another poster's account of doing falconry there, which sounded fun. Borthwick Castle is another one in the same area which I haven't visited, but it sounds as though it may be better.

sbparadis

we loved Dalhousie- it's a nice size, and the proprietor is a very nice man.
There was a wedding there during our stay- it looked like a lot of fun! Maybe that was you, Caroline?
One of our family's favorite stories- the wedding party was full of handsome little boys about the same age as my youngest son, who was 8 at the time- all these little boys in formal dress ended up playing outside and Hank joined them- rolling down the hill and charging about as the older fellows (equally handsome) stood around and had a smoke in the air- everyone looked so nice and the celebration was on full tilt-
anyway, they were very jolly and boisterous and Hank had a ball with them. Later I asked him the big question- okay, so what DO the Scots wear under those beautiful kilts- I will never forget his very straight and serious face- "well mommy- the little boys wear tightie whities, but the big boys are nakie." Be still my heart.

caroline_edinburgh

Hi sbparadis. We got married 5 years ago & I'm afraid our wedding was strictly no children, so not us. But what an ingenious idea, getting a small child to check under the kilts ! I think the castle has actually changed hands since we got married, so it's good to hear that the new proprietor is nice.

ginny

Dalhousie Castle gets my vote too!!! It's just 7 miles outside Edinburgh in the town of Bonnyrigg!!! I stayed there back in 99 for 2 nights with my Mom, sisters and Grandmother!!
http://www.dalhousiecastle.co.uk/

sbparadis

yes Caroline- children are so handy-
and I do think I remember the castle's owner telling us he had recently purchased the property- we were having dinner (in the dungeon! very cool for the kids) and he came to our table for a chat- a nice guy. I also remember that our rooms were beautiful and very comfortable.

clarson

Thanks so much for the suggestions. I've checked out Dalhousie and it looks charming. Have requested a brochure from the web site. Looks like just the thing!