Balgonie Castle (C)

Rising five stories high, with walls nearly 3 meters thick, Balgonie Castle’s central tower has watched over this part of Scotland since the 14th century. The original castle chapel is still used for wedding ceremonies – all conducted by candlelight – and why it is considered one of the most romantic medieval venues in Scotland.

Combine romance with fun though, and just a touch of Scottish eccentricity, if you’re planning on getting married here, because Balgonie Castle comes together with the wonderful Laird, Lady and Younger of Balgonie and Eddergoll. And, a whole suite of ghosts…of which there have been regular sightings for hundreds of years! Nothing scary though – just an extra guest or two for the banquet (which you could have in the reception upstairs), or perhaps a few more thumps when you’re having a good old stomping Scottish céilidh (dance).

As part of going to Balgonie you’ll have a personal tour of the castle and receive a hand painted certificate for your wedding from the Laird Raymond Morris himself (who is a heraldry scholar). You know you’ll be in good hands when the family crest (The Arms of Morris) has as its motto Truth and Chivalry. And don’t forget to think about an owl ring delivery – a real speciality here. Make sure you meet your owl afterwards and have some photographs taken!

Balgonie Castle is a private home and doesn’t offer on-site accommodation, but, when its time to leave you are within easy travelling distance of Edinburgh, Stirling, Perth or Dundee. Or, you can stay on in Fife and explore the area, one of the original Pictish Kingdoms. For golfing enthusiasts the historic town of St Andrews, renowned as the home of golf, is located on the northeast coast of Fife, why not take in a round at one of the seven courses managed by the St Andrews Links Trust? Or visit and/or stay at Ladywell House, in Falkland, built in 1804 and formerly owned by Frances Shand-Kydd the mother of the late Diana, Princess of Wales. If the outdoors is more for you then surely you’ll have to go to the “bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond” and spend some time in the Trossachs National Park.