Airth Castle Hotel & Spa Resort

Airth Castle is steeped in history dating back to the 14th Century and during the 15th Century was once owned by The Family of Robert the Bruce.

This Resort sits Majestically overlooking the River Forth, and the glorious countryside of picturesque Forth Valley and Central Scotland with much of Scotland’s national Heritage and many Treasures sitting on its doorstep.

The hotel is a luxurious and unique modern venue crafted around Ancient History.

A 14th Century Castle 12th Century Church Ruins and Graveyard complemented by imposing 18th Century Stables nesting in 14 acres of wooded parkland and beautiful Landscaped gardens, provides a world of relaxation at one of Scotland’s most exclusive Country retreats.

From the moment you arrive at Airth Castle Hotel & Spa Resort a true Scottish Welcome awaits. You may be relaxing in the comfort of your luxurious individually designed bedroom or enjoying the range of fantastic facilities and therapies at our Cloud Nine Leisure & Beauty Spa, or even indulge yourself in either of our two restaurants and many bars within the resort. One thing is guaranteed you will be spoilt with a choice fit for a King!

The Sumptuous space is equally flexible, full of character and feature filled. It simply exudes comfort in an environment that sets a superior tone to relax you with ease.

Escapism is Spellbinding, the delightful scenery of Perthshire, Loch Lomond, the Trossachs and the Highlands, so much natural splendor within easy reach.

Everything can be tailored to meet your unique individual needs at Airth Castle Hotel & Spa resort, and with a team of people so passionate to provide excellence, there is no question of any other hotel venue.

The history of Airth Castle

Majestically overlooking the River Forth, Airth Castle still manages to impress many passers by. This is not at all surprising if you consider that Airth Castle has been around since the 14th Century and thus has a vivid history.

Airth Castle is situated on one of the two hills in Airth and this is where its name came from originally; ERTH (Ardhe in Gaelic) signifies a hill. It was also the ERTH family who were the first to occupy Airth Castle in 1309. Before this time the ERTH family owned considerable amounts of land in the Stirlingshire area, before they decided to build a Castle to stipulate the nobleman ship of Fergus the ERTH. Around 1440 Edward Bruce, the second son of Sir Robert Bruce of Clackmannan, married Agnes AIRTH, one of three daughters and co-heiresses of William AIRTH. This is when the Airth Castle ownership changed families. Edward’s son, Robert Bruce, got the title of Airth Castle after his father sadly passed away. Robert turned out to be quite a rebel when he decided to join the rebel lords. As a result the opposition, namely James II, decided to take revenge on his decision by burning down the castle on the 11 th of June 1488. It took Robert more than a year to receive compensation for this dreadful act of revenge, which ended up being 100.00 pounds exactly. It was ‘for byggen of his place that was byrnt’.

In 1600 King James VI crowned Airth Castle into a Royal Burgh, which was not at all appreciated by the Stirling Council, as their Castle had not been given this very desired title. It was thus not too long after that the erection was annulled.

The old ruins next to the Castle are from the Airth Old Church and quite a few of the inhibitors of Airth Castle have been buried there. The tombstone of Sir John Bruce, which used to be the north chapel of the Airth Old Church has the Bruce family crest as well as the initials of Sir John Bruce encrypted in it (S.J.B). Furthermore, Alexander Bruce, whose black marble tombstone is said to adjoin the above, succeeded John. The inscription reads ‘Ex Robertii Brussii Scotorum Regis filio secundo natu progenito, Baroni AIRTHense’. It was after Alexanders death that the Castle’s ownership changed families again. With no son to inherit the Castle, in 1642 the Barony of Airth went to his daughter who was married to Richard Elphinston. In 1717 the property was sold to Judge Graham, whose family held on to the property for a long period after. It was only in 1971 that the Castle was once again sold, this time to the Forrester family. They were the ones who refurbished the Castle to what it is today.

The east wing of the Castle is definitely the oldest part. It consists of a square tower with two unequal sized turrets at its front corners. The west wing is alleged to be as old as the time of William Wallace. It is a simple square tower with embattlements and has been named after William Wallace, namely Wallace’s Tower. The part of the building between the two wings has dormer windows which have been widened and increased in height recently.

The AIRTH Old Church is said to have been built somewhere in the 12th century. It stands on the verge of a rock, right next to the Castle. Even though today all that is left of it is ruins, it is a very picturesque place. Unfortunately, over the years, it has not been looked after very well and today it is in a state of ruin that can no longer be repaired.

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Fernie Castle

A superb location for anyone visiting Scotland. This 450 year old castle can offer all the character of the past with comforts today's visitor expects from a hotel with such high recommendations and awards. Situated in 17 acres of woodlands with it's own loch, there is ample parking space and places to stroll, or just relax.

The aura of the castle is first glimpsed through the wooded drive as one approaches. Once inside, you will be greeted with a cheery open fire and a warm welcome. The Keep Bar and The Wallace Lounge are each directly off the reception hall.

PERFECT FOR WEDDINGS ...
PERFECT FOR BUSINESS ...

Fernie Castle...  An excellent choice for business meetings, seminars and corporate entertaining. Centrally located within easy reach of Dundee, Edinburgh, Perth and Glasgow and St. Andrews, our facilities can cater for meetings of delegates from 4 up to 180. Full presentation equipment is available and we will be pleased to discuss any special requirements you may have.

PERFECT LOCATION . . Fernie Castle is easily accessible with good road links to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Glenrothes and Dundee airports and all national motorways. From Cupar and Ladybank railway stations there are direct links to London.

Fife is the home of Golf. Within a 45 mile radius of Fernie Castle, there are 59 golf courses, from small and local, to St. Andrews, only 13 miles away. Tee times can be arranged for you, except the Old Course.

The ancient Castle of Fernie was first recorded in 1353 when it belonged to the Earl of Fife - Duncan the 13th. The family of Fernie held the lands as early as the 15th century - Walter Fernie being dead before 1496. In 1527 Andrew Fernie obtained a charter erecting Fernie into a free barony and he conferred the life-rent on his wife, Barbara Logane. Their son succeeded in 1551 and he sold it to William Fernie of Foxtoun 1582.

Sir Michael Balfour of Balfour or Burleigh, died in 1619, leaving an only daughter, Margaret, who married Robert Arnot, younger of Newton. He assumed the name of Balfour, and sat in Parliament as second Lord Balfour of Burleigh.

His youngest daughter married her cousin, the last Arnot of Fernie, and on extinction of that line the property of Wester Fernie fell to Lady Arnot's eldest brother John who succeeded as third Lord Balfour. His estate was forfeited to the Crown because his second son was concerned in the Rebellion of 1715.

His eldest son, Arthur Balfour, remained attached to the house of Harrower, and George 1 granted to him and his five brothers the lands and barony of Western Fernie in 1720. Arthur died in 1746 leaving three sons who succeeded to the estate consecutively. John Balfour of Fernie became heir male in 1757 of the Lords Balfour of Burleigh , but he died without issue in 1795. He was succeeded by his only surviving brother, Francis who died in 1818. In 1854 the grandson Major Francis Balfour, claimed the title of Lord Balfour of Burleigh, but the house of Lords on the reveal of attainder 1869, ajudged that dignity to Alexander Hugh Bruce of Kennet, who was the descendant in the female line of Robert, fourth Lord Balfour.  The duties of Forester of Falkland and Constable of Cupar were associated with the Barony of Fernie.

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Culcreuch Castle Hotel


Culcreuch Castle Hotel provides its guests with a truly memorable experience. Situated in Fintry, near Stirling in Scotland at the foot of the Campsie Fells, the Castle is within easy reach of many tourist attractions such as the National William Wallace Monument, Stirling Castle, the Falkirk Wheel, Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and the Bannockburn Heritage Centre.

Culcreuch offers superb customer service and care in a unique atmosphere. Guests can choose from three very different types of accommodation ranging from elegant bedrooms, some with four poster beds, through minimalist courtyard family rooms, to holiday lodges set in peaceful countryside, a short walk from the castle.

Internally Culcreuch has many fine features including a remarkable Bottle Dungeon, so called as the bottle shape meant a prisoner could not lie down, an Aumbry (normally only seen in ancient monasteries) and, in the Chinese Bird Room, the hand painted oriental wall paper dates from 1723. There are also a number of magnificent fire places as well as superb old paneling in the Dining Room.

At the entrance to the Dungeon Diner is what remains of the old wheel staircase, the rest being removed when the Tower was extended. The first floor is a single large room - the original Laird's Hall. There may have been cooking arrangements at the back end.

So much history - a "simply must" visit!

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Shieldhill Castle


Prior to becoming a hotel in 1959, Shieldhill Castle was the seat of the Chancellor family for over 750 years. The Chancellors are recorded as one of the oldest families in the area, having come from France at the time of the Norman Conquests, along with the Somervilles of Carnwath, with whom there are long standing connections. The Chancellors left the castle and moved into a new mansion house in Quothquan. In 1568 however, following the Battle of Langside, in which William Chancellor fought in the cause of Queen Mary, Regent Moray sent out a party of 500 horsemen to destroy the mansions, castles and fortalices of her adherents. The Quothquan mansion was burned to the ground. No vestiges of this residence remain.

The Chancellor family then moved back to Shieldhill Castle, where they re-roofed and rendered habitable the old tower, originally built in 1199, and which now forms the core of the present building. The original form of the tower is said to have been square, with access by the round tower on the north side, most probably added by the Chancellors in the late sixteenth century. This remained as the entrance until the major alterations of 1820, when the tower was altered and extended to form the more classical styling that can be seen today.

During the nineteenth century Shieldhill was further added to and modernized. The original door has however been preserved - entire with its stone and lock, removed from its original position to one of the faces of the old tower, where it is set in a later simple rectangular molding.

Above the door is an engraved stone with shields, letters and a pinnacle shaped carving, reputedly part of the carved work of an altar which had been found behind the paneling of the first floor Library, which had originally been the family chapel.

The letters I.H.S. and M.A. The shield on the left is fifteenth century and bears the crest of the Chancellor family. The shield on the right is unknown. The vane which surmounts the old engraving belongs to the late seventeenth century and the initials are of James Chancellor and Margaret Levingston.

Another remnant of the old tower that survives today is the original spiral staircase within the thickness of the west gable linking the new entrance hall and the Library (the former chapel). According to Irving and Murray (1864) this room was enclosed with paneling of deal around 1680, and it remains a particularly handsome room. Throughout the hotel today there are a number of particularly fine examples of chimney pieces and paneling.

Shieldhill Castle contains sixteen bedrooms, all of which are individually styled and decorated to a high standard. Each room is equipped with private facilities, television and a telephone.
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Dalhousie Castle
Bonnyrigg, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland...

A fascinating 13th century fortress set within acres of wooded parkland on the picturesque banks of the river Esk. From the moment you arrive at Dalhousie Castle, a warm Scottish welcome awaits. Whether relaxing in the fabulous Aqueous Spa, enjoying one of the library’s extensive collection of books and a drink from the ‘secret bar’ next to the open fire, dining in the ancient barrel vaulted dungeon on our exceptional cuisine or relaxing in your unique castle bedroom, you will always feel as welcome as the ‘Laird’.

This Scottish Castle Hotel is also an ideal venue for your own traditional Scottish gathering, whether you are planning a *ceilidh, banquet, wedding, conference or meeting, or, as an individual, maybe staying on a special break, you are looking for the best of Scotland’s hospitality with all the comforts of a four star Edinburgh Hotel. Dalhousie Castle has very much kept its Scottish Castle character with features such as Falconry in the castle grounds, hydrotherapy spa with beauty treatments, luxury charismatic bedrooms and a formal fine dining restaurant, yet is also so near to Edinburgh city centre, Edinburgh airport and Waverley train station. Is there a more memorable way of visiting Scotland than by staying in a Scottish Castle Hotel?

The countryside of Midlothian and the Scottish Borders is some of the loveliest to be found anywhere in the world. However, for over five hundred years it was also some of the most fiercely contested. Dalhousie Castle, standing just a few miles south of Edinburgh, occupied a position of great strategic importance, and so was witness to more than its fair share of history. What better setting could there be to enjoy Falconry, the sport of kings, with the Castle as a back drop.

It is ironic that a building, once so warlike, should have become an inviting Scottish castle hotel that now prides itself on the warmness of the welcome it extends to its visitors.

** For those of you that are not familiar with "ceilidh" **

It is the traditional Gaelic social dance in Ireland, Scotland and Atlantic Canada. Other spellings encountered are ceilidh, céilí (Irish reformed spelling) and cèilidh (Scottish Gaelic reformed spelling). Before discos and nightclubs, there were Céilidhs in most town and village halls on Friday or Saturday nights; they are still common today. Originally céilidhs facilitated courting and prospects of marriage for young people and, although discos and nightclubs have displaced céilidhs to a considerable extent, they are still an important and popular social outlet in rural parts of Ireland and Scotland, especially in the Gaelic-speaking west coast regions. Céilidhs are sometimes held on a smaller scale in private or public houses, for example in remote rural hinterlands and during busy festivals. It is common for some clubs and institutions such as sports clubs, schools and universities and even employers to arrange céilidhs on a regular or at least annual basis. The formality of these can vary. Some mix modern pop music with a Scottish country dancing band and dress codes range from compulsory highland dress to informal. Knowledge and use of the basic dance steps is not always strictly necessary, and dances often alternate with songs, poetry recitals, story telling and other types of "party pieces".

As stated in ~wikipedia.org~
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Melville Castle
          

Melville Castle Hotel, Edinburgh, Scotland, boasts luxury accommodation with the exquisite grandeur & elegance expected of an 18th century Scottish Castle, making it a unique & enchanting vacation destination.

Only 20 minutes from Edinburgh, Scotland, Melville Castle Hotel is an urban oasis. Secluded in a 50 acre Scottish estate, it provides the rare blend of tranquility & city proximity.

Guests are on the doorstep of Edinburgh's eclectic mix of historic, beautiful and entertaining attractions. Sites include Edinburgh Castle, Royal Yacht Britannia, and the Edinburgh Dungeons

Within easy reach of the Edinburgh city bypass, Edinburgh International Airport and Edinburgh's main train station, Melville Castle is the ideal place to stay whilst exploring the beauty and history of Edinburgh, and indeed the whole of the Scotland.

As well as providing opulent four poster; suites, Melville Castle Hotel, Edinburgh, Scotland, is an excellent venue for conferences, private functions, weddings & numerous country pursuits…

Melville Castle is situated just 8 miles South East of Edinburgh city centre. Within easy reach of the city bypass, Melville Castle is the ideal place to stay whilst exploring the beauty and history of Edinburgh, and indeed the whole of the Scotland.

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Borthwick Castle

Tranquility, history and service -
the perfect getaway yet only 13 miles from Edinburgh Airport.

For nearly 600 years Borthwick Castle has overlooked the gently rolling hills on the edge of the romantic Scottish Borders. One can easily imagine that Mary Queen of Scots looked from her bedchamber window onto a very similar landscape in the 16th Century.

The Castle's long and illustrious history has romance and drama and the walls still bear the battle-scars of Cromwell's cannon.

Nowadays, with central heating and en-suite bathrooms, the castle retains a medieval ambience which charms even the most seasoned travelers.

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Castle Venlaw Hotel

Think of Scotland and you probably conjure up images of castles and country estates. What better place then to stay than an 18th century Scottish castle hotel?

Quietly secluded in four acres of beautiful woodland grounds overlooking Peebles, Castle Venlaw offers guests a taste of the country house tradition, a winning mix of relaxed informality and the elegance of another age.

A warm welcome awaits you at Castle Venlaw. The owners, John and Shirley Sloggie, have a combined wealth of experience in quality hotels as do all of their staff. This ensures a perfect balance of professionalism and Scottish hospitality.

ACCOMMODATION
Castle Venlaw offers luxury Scottish accommodation with 13 rooms each of which is different. They have all been fully refurbished and have full en-suite facilities. All the rooms are centrally heated with thermostatically controlled radiators and have their own tea and coffee making facilities as well as direct-dial telephone.

History
The original house was built in 1782 by Alexander Stevenson, then Sheriff Deputy of Peebleshire, on the site of the old Smithfield House. It stands as an excellent example of Scottish Baronial style, set in four acres of quiet wooded garden.

Over the years and the centuries, the building has grown and evolved in the care of various owners. In 1948 the house was bought by Alexander Cumming and his wife, Jean, with the intention of operating it as a hotel. At that time there was a development tax levied on those turning private houses into businesses. Mr Cumming successfully fought to have this abolished and Venlaw Castle Hotel opened in 1949.

On Alexander’s death in 1972, his son, Alistair, took over his father’s share of the business and operated the hotel with his mother and his wife, Janet. The hotel was sold to the current owners, John and Shirley Sloggie, in 1997 and was renamed Castle Venlaw Hotel.
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Tulloch Castle

In days of old, only the Laird or the Chief of the Clan could enjoy a relaxing stay in a Scottish highland castle. Nowadays, times have changed. At Tulloch Castle Hotel, you'll be made as welcome as the Laird himself, to sample the splendid hospitality, comfortable surroundings and superb food.

Tulloch Castle dates from the 12th Century, when first the Bains and later the Clan Davidson laid claim to its lands. Like its lively history, the castle's fortunes have changed many times. Now, it is once again a magnificent fortress, with a ready welcome for travelers.

In an imposing position, with highland views spread out like an open atlas, the castle is on the edge of the bustling market town of Dingwall, with its characterful shops and museum, just 15 miles north of Inverness. Swift new roads make Tulloch Castle the perfect base to explore the enchanting Black Isle to the east, the stunning contrasts of the west highlands and the unforgettable deep glens and rugged coastlines of the west highlands - all just a daytrip away.




Whether you want to enjoy a fine meal in the castle restaurant, rest for a few nights in one of the castle bedchambers, or just taste a local ale in the Green Lady Lounge, you will find Tulloch Castle an unforgettable place to visit. And these days, you don't have to storm the castle ramparts first.





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Dornoch Castle Hotel

Steeped in Scottish history and fascinating legends, the 15th century Dornoch Castle Hotel firmly stands its ground opposite the inspiring 12th century Dornoch Cathedral. Set in private and beautifully manicured gardens, this Scottish Castle still bears an air of magnificence and grace, and is the perfect venue for your Scottish Highland luxury castle hotel break or as one of the most stunning Scottish wedding venues.

All 24 Dornoch Castle Hotel en-suite bedrooms are tastefully decorated with a strong emphasis on comfort and tranquility but still having that Baronial home atmosphere. There are deluxe Castle Rooms, superior Castle Rooms and Garden Rooms, the latter were built in the late 70's and form the easterly wing of the Castle. The hotel has undergone some major refurbishment recently and there are many rooms of individual character.

Most bedrooms overlook the formal walled gardens and some have wonderful views of the Dornoch Firth and the hills beyond. There are two with views of Dornoch Cathedral.

Dornoch Castle Hotel offers the traveller an ideal place to relax after a day on the golf course (Royal Dornoch Golf Course being the closest), or a day spent enjoying Europe's last wilderness with the abundance of bird and sea life which frequent this corner of the coast, or just to wind down after a day's traveling with a 'dram' by the fire.

Complimenting the Castle, miles of golden beaches and tranquil seas, make perfect settings for whale and dolphin watching, while the great lochs are excellent for fishing and there is stalking too. Enthusiasts can take delight in the abundance of bird life: red kites, ospreys, golden eagles, and puffins all frequent this beautiful corner of Scotland.
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Glengarry Castle is a comfortable country house hotel with a jewel of a setting on the shores of Loch Oich, which lies between Loch Ness and Loch Lochy at the heart of the Great Glen in the Highlands of Scotland.
Central for touring the Scottish Highlands to Inverness, Ben Nevis, Fort William, Eilean Donan Castle and the Isle of Skye.

The hotel enjoys a deserved reputation for Highland hospitality. The ruin of Invergarry Castle lies within the hotel grounds near our main entrance.

Since 1958 the Glengarry Castle Hotel has been a most comfortable country house hotel with a jewel of a setting...on the shores of Loch Oich which lies between Loch Ness and Loch Lochy in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Small wonder then that guests return time after time to be welcomed by proprietors David and Janetta MacCallum and their sons Donald and Robert.

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Inverlochy Castle
Ft William, Highlands, Scotland...

Nestling in the foothills of the mighty Ben Nevis, Inverlochy Castle sits amidst some of Scotland's finest scenery. Inverlochy was built in 1863 by the first Lord Abinger, near the site of the original 13th century fortress. In September 1873 during a trip to Balmoral, Queen Victoria spent a week at Inverlochy sketching and painting where she wrote in her diaries 'I never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot'.

Inverlochy had been a private residence for over a hundred years until 1969 when it was converted from a family home to Scotland's finest country house hotel.

Inverlochy is Scotland's finest hotel and restaurant uniquely located amongst the glens, lochs and mountains of the West Highlands of Scotland.

At Inverlochy you will experience one of the most relaxing and exciting vacations of a lifetime, where every detail for your comfort and enjoyment has been carefully considered. Each of the 17 bedrooms, all with private bathroom, have their own individual design and character, along with splendid views of the grounds and surrounding mountains. Room facilities include 30 inch Phillips mirror televisions, personal laptop computer with internet access, personal safe, cd player, radio, iron/ironing board. DVD player and video player as well as Playstation II available upon request.
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Mansfield Castle Hotel
Tain, Ross-Shire




Mansfield Castle is an imposing Victorian building set in 3.5 acres of picturesque countryside, with award winning cuisine and magnificent oak paneling throughout. The Castle is located in the Royal Burgh of Tain, just one hour from Inverness airport and in the heart of the Highlands of Scotland.

Mansfield Castle is the perfect venue for a wedding, a short break or a complete get away to indulge in a few rounds of golf, sea and loch fishing, walking, stalking, dolphin and seal watching, whisky tasting, clan associations...

Most of the 19 sumptuous bedrooms have stunning views over the Castle grounds, the Moray Firth to the south east and the Dornoch Firth to the north east. Each spacious room has its own distinctive character with a complimentary decanter of sherry and the famous Mansfield fluffy dog, which as well as providing a rather nice touch of humour also, when is placed outside your door, acts a Do Not Disturb signal for us. All rooms are en suite, some with Jacuzzis and each room has tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryers and television. The Tower Suite is perfect for the family, with two bedrooms, a spacious bathroom and an extremely comfortable tower lounge with breathtaking views from every room. If you are feeling a little adventurous, follow the original spiral staircase to the very top of the tower where there is virtually a 360 degree view.

History
The lands on which Mansfield Castle sits dates from 10th November 1772 and changed hands several times before it passed to George Murray, Merchant, of Tain on 6th October 1801 and from then on became known as Mansfield.

On 15th September 1802 it was transferred to Charles Ross, Esquire and Advocate of Invercharron, who sold it again on 10th February 1803 to Hugh Rose, Esquire of Glastullich.

This Hugh Rose later had his name and title changed to Hugh Ross, Esquire of Cromarty. His youngest daughter, Arabella Rose Ross married a Duncan Davidson, Esquire of Tulloch and when Hugh Ross died in January 1847 the land passed, according to the laws of the land, not to his daughter, but to her husband.

After 105 years in the Ross family, the Mansfield estates were sold, on 8th October 1877, for the sum of £6,000 sterling to Thomas Darling who retained the property until 1889.

Although the title deeds are not completely clear, the building known as Mansfield Castle was constructed about 1875-1880, probably during the ownership of Darling. At that time, the house was the Georgian style building, perfectly symmetrical as seen from between the big trees in the car park. The front door was between the bays.

The house was bought by the Fowler family in early 1890. The family had played a significant role in surrounding Tain and the Highlands, with Mr Fowler becoming Provost of Tain in June 1889, a position he held for 12 years.

In October 1902, Provost and Mrs Fowler undertook a major extension and refurbishment of Mansfield House. The architect was Andrew Maitland, a celebrated local architect who also designed the Glenmorangie Distillery and the Parish Church at the bottom of Scotsburn Road. At this time, the tall tower was added, as were the rooms at the new front of the house - the restaurant and the Haakon Room above. The ornate plaster ceilings and the pitched pine panelling were also installed at that time.

As mentioned earlier, Mr Fowler remained as Provost until 1910, and retired in 1920. He died on 30th July 1930. Mrs Fowler survived him by 8 years, living in the house until her death on 21st February 1938.

Mrs Fowler did not leave Mansfield House on her death - the presence of her ghost is often noticed by staff and guests alike. It must be said that there is no unpleasantness - we feel that she continues to manifest her concern for the building with an increase in activity at times when we are making changes, which then subsides when the alterations are clear and perhaps to her, satisfactory.

At the time of Mrs Fowler's death, the estate was still more or less intact, retaining 99% of the approximately 60 acres first recorded in 1772.

At the start of the World War II, the house was requisitioned for military use and became the Officers' Mess for the Cameron Highlanders and in 1940/41 became the headquarters of the Norwegian Brigade in the U.K.

Their operative role involved the defence of the county of Ross & Cromarty, a land area of about 100km in length and 60km in breadth, and with a coastline of about 200km. There were a lot of very important sites in the area, such as the flying-boat station at Invergordon, three airfields, a coastal defense fortress, a strategically important railway bridge and two possible invasion sites on the coast. All these places were widely spread in the district.

Ross & Cromarty was naturally not the most likely place for an enemy landing in Britain, as the coastlines further south, closer to the industrial centre were more directly in the firing line, but the area had the great advantage that it gave the Norwegian Brigade outstanding possibilities for many types of exercises in guard and security duties.

The most important were on the 15th July 1941 when the brigade counter-attacked against airborne forces (paratroops) which had captured the airfield at Fendom and on the 23-25th July when the brigade counter-attacked an enemy landing from the sea in the Shandwick area. This exercise was observed by His Majesty King Haakon of Norway and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Olav, accompanied by General Fleischer, the Norwegian Commander, the head of Scottish Command, General Sir Andrew Thorne and the Chief of the Sutherland Area, Major­General Sir John Carrington. After the exercise, His Majesty inspected the Brigade and took the salute at a march-past in his honour. King Haakon, who hosted an official lunch here on July 21st 1941 stayed at Mansfield Castle.

In 1945, Mansfield House became the home of the officers and men of the Polish brigade.

After the war, the house was returned to William Fowler, in remarkably fine condition considering its six years of occupation. Fowler began to divide up the estate, and, in 1947 sold 3.325 acres of land and "the mansion house known as Mansfield House" to Peter Malloch McDougall, Hotelkeeper, of Aberfeldy, for the sum of £6,000 - coincidentally the same amount as the entire estate was sold for in 1877.

McDougall operated the hotel until May 1956. It changed hands nine times over the next 35 years, generally being operated as a hotel.

The Mansfield Castle is now a superb hotel, sumptuously refurbished to the exceptionally high standards of its sister hotel, Tulloch Castle and run by Anne MacDonald who also hales from Tulloch Castle.
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Kildrummy Castle Hotel

Set in the heart of the Grampian Highlands, overlooking the ruins of the original 13th century castle, Kildrummy Castle Hotel offers a rare opportunity to enjoy the style and elegance of a bygone era combined with all the comforts and service of a modern, first class hotel.

Built as a private home for Col Ogston in 1900 the house was converted to hotel use in 1956, firstly as a seasonal shooting and fishing lodge and then with the provision of all modern facilities in 1978 to the present day first class hotel. The house has however retained its original turn of the century interior and feels very much still a traditional North East of Scotland Baronial Home. Its magnificent location overlooking the ruins of the original 13th century castle and the renowned Kildrummy Castle gardens, with acres of planted gardens and woodland, provide a haven of peace and tranquility from where you can explore the treasures of the Grampian Highlands.

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Glenapp Castle

Imagine a fairytale castle, the ultimate luxury retreat, hidden in thirty acres of glorious garden and woodland on the rugged and beautiful Ayrshire coast. Imagine exquisite rooms, outstanding cuisine, fine wines and exceptional service. Imagine escaping to another world. Imagine no longer.

Glenapp Castle, one of Scotland's finest luxury retreats, offers a personal invitation to stay and enjoy an experience you will never forget.

People have been coming to stay at Glenapp for more than a century to escape from the pressures of the world. Glenapp Castle specializes in the creation of unique experiences for a unique and individual clientele. Glenapp is set in a peaceful and truly magnificent setting in which guests can unwind in total privacy and tranquility.

The castle and its lands were purchased in 1917 by James Lyle Mackay, subsequently the first Earl of Inchcape. His descendants owned the castle until 1982, during which time they expanded the estate considerably and enlarged and altered the castle to its present form.

The McMillan family acquired the castle in June 1994, by which time it had sadly fallen into a very poor state of repair. Their daughter and son in law, Fay and Graham Cowan, made the castle their home, and six years later, having restored Glenapp to its former grandeur, the Cowans opened the doors of the castle as an exclusive luxury retreat.

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