EVENTS AT THIRLESTANE

LAUDER ●

A DRAMATIC SETTING FOR TRULY MEMORABLE EVENTS EVENTS AT THIRLESTANE

“Thank you for considering Thirlestane 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, is a breath-taking venue. Surrounded by peaceful parkland with the flowing by, Thirlestane offers privacy and seclusion, yet is conveniently just 35 minutes south of .

DRAMATIC SETTING KEY ROLE IN SCOTTISH HISTORY Driving through the Eagle Throughout its long history gates, you catch your first Thirlestane Castle has belonged glimpse of Thirlestane Castle to the Maitland family, one of at the end of the pine tree-lined the most famous in . driveway. Dating back over Through military service and their 400 years, this hidden gem is contribution to law and the arts, one of the oldest and finest the Maitlands gained increasing inhabited in Scotland. influence and power. In 1586 John Royalty and distinguished Maitland became Lord Chancellor guests have been entertained of Scotland to King James VI, his here since the 16th century by elder brother had been Secretary the Maitland family, and now to Mary Queen of Scots. John you can have exclusive use of Maitland’s son, also John Maitland, this castle for your event. was created 1st Earl of .

(left) Eagle Gates at the entrance to the castle, (right) Portrait of The Duke of Lauderdale by Sir Peter Lely. EVENTS AT THIRLESTANE BEAUTIFUL ROOMS

STATE DINING ROOM The elegant State Rooms are flooded with natural CAPACITIES light. They have the flexibility to be enjoyed for Theatre Style 70 Dinner 60 all types of events, from fine dining experiences Reception 86 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 Staicase. 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 Theatre Style 100 Dinner 80 Reception 120 EVENTS AT THIRLESTANE

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. AN ENTERTAINING ATMOSPHERE To enhance your event we are happy to provide suggestions for entertainment. In such dramatic surroundings, a music recital or bagpipe workshop would be certain to delight your guests, or perhaps you might prefer a whisky tasting. We have other smaller rooms available if you require break-out spaces or additional areas for different elements of your event. There are also some more unusual options, such as our vaulted cellars, if you are looking for something really different.

(top) Guests in the Dining Room (right) Whisky tasting in the castle cellars. EVENTS AT THIRLESTANE 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 , which over 500 cyclists participate in. There are also woodland trails and tracks that are perfect for sporting pursuits.

(above) Team building exercise, (right) Tour de Lauder 2016 in the castle grounds. ROSE GARDEN Overlooking the oldest part of the castle, the Rose Garden is a stunning setting for a marquee for dancing or for larger numbers of guests. You can enjoy a garden party atmosphere on a summer’s afternoon, or dance the night away under the stars.

ACCOMMODATION For accommodation, there is the luxurious Lauderdale Apartment. This elegant self-catering apartment offers a haven of calm, with private access and exceptional views of the parkland to the front of the castle. Nearby Lauder and surrounding villages With hundreds of acres of parkland offer additional accommodation. and meadows, the grounds of Alternatively there is also our Caravan Park, which has a Thirlestane Castle can host many campsite and touring pitches more types of events, such as team available. building activities, family fun days, sporting events and a variety of

(above) Vintage Motor Extravaganza held annually large-scale outdoor events. (right) marquee in the Rose Garden. THIRLESTANE CASTLE AT A GLANCE • Dating back to the 16th century, Thirlestane Castle is a magnificent setting for all types of events Tweedbank • 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 LOCATION Thirlestane is very conveniently located at the gateway to • Historic, elegant State Rooms seating up to 80 the Highlands and Edinburgh. The castle is located in the guests for dinner and break-out rooms available pretty town of Lauder, known for its stylish shops and art gallery. • Unique spaces such as the vaulted Cellars are also available BY ROAD Thirlestane Castle is just 35 minutes south of Edinburgh • Extensive complimentary car and coach parking and easily accessible just off the A68 at Lauder. • Range of team building activities available on Postcode for SatNav: TD2 6RU request • Extensive grounds and Rose Garden ideal for BY RAIL marquees and large-scale outdoor events Catch the Waverley Line from Edinburgh to Tweedbank. We can assist with coach transfers.

BY AIR With thanks to ABC Events and Appetite Direct. The nearest airport is Edinburgh, which is 50 minutes Photography © Phil Wilkinson drive from Thirlestane Castle. Alternatively, you are welcome to arrive by helicopter. Lauder, Scottish Borders, Scotland TD2 6RU T: +44 1578 722430 E: [email protected] 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)