LAUDER SCOTTISH BORDERS A DRAMATIC SETTING FOR TRULY MEMORABLE EVENTS
Thank you for considering Thirlestane Castle for your next event. This beautiful castle has played an important role in Scottish history and has also been home for our family since the 16th century. We warmly invite you and your guests to enjoy an unforgettable experience at Thirlestane. Edward & Sarah Maitland-Carew.
STEEPED IN HISTORY Nestling in the gentle Scottish Borders hills, with its rose pink sandstone and majestic turrets, Thirlestane Castle is a breath-taking venue. Surrounded by peaceful parkland with the River Leader flowing by, Thirlestane offers privacy and seclusion, yet is conveniently just 35 minutes south of Edinburgh. DRAMATIC SETTING Driving through the Eagle gates, you catch your first glimpse of Thirlestane Castle at the end of the pine tree-lined driveway. Dating back over 400 years, this hidden gem is one of the oldest and finest inhabited castles in Scotland. Royalty and distinguished guests have been entertained here since the 16th century by the Maitland family, and now you can have exclusive use of this castle for your event. KEY ROLE IN SCOTTISH HISTORY Throughout its long history Thirlestane Castle has belonged to the Maitland family, one of the most famous in Scotland. Through military service and their contribution to law and the arts, the Maitlands gained increasing influence and power. In 1586 John Maitland became Lord Chancellor of Scotland to King James VI, his elder brother had been Secretary to Mary Queen of Scots. John Maitland s son, also John Maitland, was created 1st Earl of Lauderdale. (left) Eagle Gates at the entrance to the castle, (right) Portrait of The Duke of Lauderdale by Sir Peter Lely.
STATE DINING ROOM CAPACITIES (85 square metres) Theatre Style: 80 Dinner: 75 Reception: 100 BEAUTIFUL ROOMS The elegant State Rooms are flooded with natural light. They have the flexibility to be enjoyed for all types of events, from fine dining experiences to corporate events, and formal meetings to joyful celebrations. STATE DINING ROOM The elegant State Dining Room is perfect for smaller events or private dining experiences. Adorning the walls are an impressive collection of Maitland family paintings by famous artists, which add to the intimate atmosphere. This room can be combined with the Drawing Room for larger receptions for up to 200 guests. (above & right) State Dining Room, (far right) Grand Staircase.
STATE DRAWING ROOM The sumptuously decorated State Drawing Room, overlooking the Rose Garden, is the centrepiece of Thirlestane Castle. Its breathtaking Dunsterfield ceilings, with ornate garlands of fruit, flowers and gold-gilded musical instruments, are always a real talking point amongst guests. CAPACITIES (120 square metres) Theatre Style: 100 Dinner: 100 Reception: 140
EXCITING SPACES In the Old Servants Quarters we have some very exciting and alternate spaces which lend themselves to a variety of different events. VICTORIAN KITCHEN The recently refurbished Victorian Kitchen is the perfect rustic yet contemporary setting for events or informal dinners. The original range cooker has been maintained to provide a unique talking point. CAPACITIES (50 square metres) Theatre Style: 60 Dinner: 40 Reception: 60
COURTYARD The Cobbled Courtyard in the South Wing is an incredible space for those looking for something a little bit different. Enjoy an alfresco celebration or protect yourself from the elements with a clear-roofed marquee so you can entertain your clients under the stars. VAULTED CELLAR Just off the Courtyard are the Vaulted Cellars. These can be incorporated into your event for a unique, underground experience perfect for a whisky tasting or team building workshop. CAPACITIES (140 square metres) Theatre Style: 150 Dinner: 125 Reception: 160 CAPACITIES (90 square metres) Theatre Style: 90 Dinner: 80 Evening Reception: 100 (above) Marquee in the Cobbled Courtyard, (right) Vaulted Cellar.
DELICIOUS DINING EXPERIENCES We only work with the finest caterers to ensure the food tastes as spectacular as the surroundings look. Our carefully selected caterers use the freshest, local produce and are always delighted to create a bespoke menu just for you. You can relax knowing your guests are well taken care of. The venue is magnificent, providing marvellous rooms for the meeting and lunch afterwards. The team were very professional and helped produce an excellent event. HISTORIC HOUSES ASSOCIATION SCOTLAND
PRIVATE TOURS What better way to bring history to life than with a private, guided tour? As part of your event, you might like a member of the Maitland family, who have lived here for over 400 years, to welcome your guests and provide a very personal insight into the pivotal role their family at Thirlestane Castle has played in Scottish history. (top) Edward Maitland-Carew giving guests a guided tour, (right) Duke s bedroom.
ENTERTAINING ACTIVITIES To enhance your event we are happy to provide suggestions for entertainment. In such dramatic surroundings, a jousting performance, highland games or falconry display would be certain to delight your guests. Perhaps you might prefer a whisky tasting or ceilidh workshop in our atmospheric Vaulted Cellar. We have other smaller rooms available if you require break-out spaces or additional areas for different elements of your event. ENHANCE YOUR EVENT We are always happy to help you plan and create your perfect event and can introduce you to the best local suppliers for everything you are looking for from bagpipes to photographers, florists to specialist lighting designers. (top) Jousting performance (right) Whisky tasting in the castle cellars.
OUTDOOR EVENTS With hundreds of acres of parkland and meadows, the grounds of Thirlestane Castle can host many more types of events, such as team building activities, family fun days, sporting events and a variety of large-scale outdoor events. EXTENSIVE GROUNDS Thirlestane Castle has extensive experience of hosting large events such as the annual Vintage Motoring Extravaganza, attracting around 7,000 visitors, the Scottish Championship Horse Trials and the Tour de Lauder, which over 500 cyclists participate in. There are also woodland trails and tracks that are perfect for sporting pursuits. (top) Vintage Motor Extravaganza held annually, (bottom) Tour de Lauder 2016 in the castle grounds.
BEAUTIFUL GROUNDS AND GARDENS Make the most of Thirlestane Castle s stunning façade by hosting your event on the Front Lawn or Castle Plaza. We can host up to 1,000 guests on the Front Lawn. Alternatively, overlooking the oldest part of the castle, the Rose Garden is a stunning setting for a marquee for dancing or for large numbers of guests. You can enjoy a garden party atmosphere on a summer s afternoon, or dance the night away. GROUNDS & GARDENS CAPACITIES Front Lawn: 1000 Rose garden: 200 (above) Marquee on the Front Lawn. (right) Marquee in the Rose Garden.
ACCOMMODATION The beautiful surroundings at Thirlestane can be enjoyed for even longer if you choose to stay at the castle. A selection of self-catering suites can be found inside the historic building itself or you can stay in Thirlestane Castle Caravan Park within the estate. ACCOMMODATION Our luxurious self-catering apartments offer a haven of calm, with private access and exceptional views of the parkland to the front of the castle. Nearby Lauder and surrounding villages offer additional accommodation. Alternatively there is also our Caravan Park, which has a campsite and touring pitches available. (top) The Lauderdale Apartment, (above) Thirlestane Castle Caravan Park.
THIRLESTANE CASTLE AT A GLANCE Dating back to the 16th century, Thirlestane Castle is a magnificent setting for all types of events One of Scotland s oldest and finest inhabited castles Conveniently located in a peaceful, rural setting, just 35 minutes south of Edinburgh Available on an exclusive use basis for events and group visits during the year The Maitland family has resided here for over 400 years and are happy to welcome your guests Historic, elegant State Rooms seating up to 100 guests for dinner and break-out rooms available Unique spaces such as the Vaulted Cellars, Victorian Kitchen and Cobbled Courtyard are also available Extensive complimentary car and coach parking Range of activities, displays and performances available on request Extensive grounds and Rose Garden ideal for marquees and large-scale outdoor events With thanks to Appetite Direct Photography Phil Wilkinson Tweedbank LOCATION Thirlestane is very conveniently located at the gateway to the Highlands and Edinburgh. The castle is located in the pretty town of Lauder, known for its stylish shops and art gallery. BY ROAD Thirlestane Castle is just 35 minutes south of Edinburgh and easily accessible just off the A68 at Lauder. Postcode for SatNav: TD2 6RU BY RAIL Catch the Waverley Line from Edinburgh to Stow. We can assist with coach transfers. BY AIR The nearest airport is Edinburgh, which is 50 minutes drive from Thirlestane Castle. Alternatively, you are welcome to arrive by helicopter. Lauder, Scottish Borders, Scotland TD2 6RU T: 01578 722430 E: enquiries@thirlestanecastle.co.uk www.thirlestanecastle.co.uk FACEBOOK LIKE US twitter FOLLOW US Thirlestane Castle is owned and operated by The Thirlestane Castle Trust (Scottish Charity Number SC011491)