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, Thirlestane Castle 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 Edinburgh.

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 Scotland. 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 (85 square metres) light. They have the flexibility to be enjoyed for Theatre Style: 80 all types of events, from fine dining experiences Dinner: 75 Reception: 100 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 EVENTS AT THIRLESTANE 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 VAULTED CELLAR The Cobbled Courtyard in Just off the Courtyard the South Wing is an incredible are the Vaulted Cellars. space for those looking for These can be incorporated something a little bit different. into your event for a unique, Enjoy an alfresco celebration underground experience or protect yourself from the perfect for a whisky elements with a clear-roofed tasting or team building marquee so you can entertain workshop. your clients under the stars.

CAPACITIES CAPACITIES (140 square metres) (90 square metres) Theatre Style: 150 Theatre Style: 90 Dinner: 125 Dinner: 80 Reception: 160 Evening Reception: 100

(above) Marquee in the Cobbled Courtyard, (right) Vaulted Cellar. 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. EVENTS AT THIRLESTANE

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. EVENTS AT THIRLESTANE 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 Horse Trials and the Tour de experience of hosting large , which over 500 cyclists events such as the annual participate in. There are also Vintage Motoring Extravaganza, woodland trails and tracks attracting around 7,000 visitors, that are perfect for sporting the Scottish Championship 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. EVENTS AT THIRLESTANE 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 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 100 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, Victorian Kitchen and Cobbled Courtyard 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 activities, displays and performances Postcode for SatNav: TD2 6RU available on request BY RAIL • Extensive grounds and Rose Garden ideal for Catch the Waverley Line from Edinburgh to Stow. We can marquees and large-scale outdoor events assist with coach transfers.

BY AIR The nearest airport is Edinburgh, which is 50 minutes With thanks to Appetite Direct drive from Thirlestane Castle. Alternatively, you are Photography © Phil Wilkinson welcome to arrive by helicopter. Lauder, Scottish Borders, Scotland TD2 6RU T: 01578 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)