Author Archive

433-year-old goatskin manuscript gives a glimpse into Carlowrie’s fascinating history

Our team has recently revealed a remarkable piece of history related to Carlowrie Castle. While we always knew that Carlowrie Castle and the Carlowrie estate has a long and interesting history, we were blown away when an historian found an original title deed to the land dated 19 August 1591. 

The manuscript is hand-scribed onto traditional goatskin vellum and is written in Latin. From our research so far, we’ve discovered that it references several famous figures, including King James VI, who ruled over Scotland at the time and later went on to rule England as King James I. 

While more information is needed to understand the role this document has played in the history of Carlowrie, it has inspired us to delve deeper into the history of the land. We’re working with the National Library of Scotland and National Records of Scotland to uncover the unknown stories of the area.

It is believed that an earlier castle had once stood on the site of the present-day Carlowrie Castle, before falling into disrepair. It was Edinburgh-based wine merchant and Provost of Leith, Thomas Hutchison who, many years later, commissioned the building of the Carlowrie Castle we know today. From its completion in 1854 to 1982, the castle was home to the Hutchison family, including renowned Arctic explorer, botanist and author, Isobel Wylie Hutchison.

When you’re next visiting us at Carlowrie Castle, ask us about our history. We’d love to share it with you.

You can read more about our history here.

Barbecues, music, and community connection at our Picnic and Praise event

Every year during the warmer summer months we welcome our local community and parish church to Carlowrie Castle for a family-friendly day in the sunshine. Our Picnic and Praise event is an afternoon of inspiring talks and music, delicious food, children’s entertainment, and the opportunity to come together for prayers. 

At our fourth annual Picnic and Praise this August, we welcomed hundreds of members of our local community to join us for a fun-filled afternoon. We loved seeing familiar faces around the barbeque, enjoying the performances, and exploring the gardens. 

This year the event sponsored our charity The Breakfast Bothy, which provides hot meals, vital services, and connection to people experiencing homelessness in Edinburgh and which recently opened a charity shop. Our Picnic and Praise guests generously donated money, clothing, books, bric-a-brac and more. We sincerely thank all those who donated to our charity. Your donations go a long way in supporting people in need.

Spotlight on mental health at our Isobel Award ceremony

At our sixth annual Isobel Award ceremony we had the privilege of celebrating a wonderful charity that goes above and beyond to support children with their mental health.

That charity, and this year’s winner of The Isobel Award, is With Kids.

The Isobel Award honours the legacy of renowned botanist, explorer and author, Isobel Wylie Hutchison, who defied convention in the 1900s and chose a life of solo adventures, community giving, and endless wonder for the natural world. Carlowrie Castle was Isobel’s family home and the place she would return to after each of her adventures.

Each year Carlowrie Castle presents The Isobel Award to an individual or group who has overcome adversity and made a positive impact on their community. The award includes a grant towards their work and a year of dedicated support from our team.

This year’s event had a focus on mental wellbeing and joining us as our guest speaker was TV personality and mental health advocate, Gail Porter. Gail shared her honest and raw experience with her own mental health in a moving and memorable speech.

With Kids is a small charity that provides crucial mental health support to children and their families during difficult times. They work closely with communities, schools, and other agencies to foster healthy development, ensuring children can grow up to be happy and healthy adults. We look forward to supporting their work throughout the coming year.

Cowlowrie. Welcome to the herd.

We have some new members of the Carlowrie team arriving this month from Perthshire.

Helping to keep the grass in the paddocks neat and tidy will be four new highland cows. We do of course have Florrie, our Highland cow sculpture, however these new beasts promise to be a lot more fun. We still need to find names for our cows and welcome any ideas – info@carlowriecastle.co.uk.

Carlowrie Gardens development

Behind everything at Carlowrie lies a story, our beautiful gardens are no exception. Tended by Isobel Wylie Hutchison throughout most of the 20th century, we are delighted to announce a programme of replanting and development.

We plan to reintroduce many of the plant species brought back to Scotland by Isobel, and enhance all of the beds with seasonal herbs and  rotational flowering plants that will guarantee colour all year round. Butterfly and bee friendly beds should see plenty of activity in the warmer weather.

Our team are working around each area and replanting for spring when we can all enjoy the outdoors again.

Carlowrie Stables conversion project started.

We are very excited about our stables conversion project. The old stables building at the far end of the walled garden has planning permission to convert to 7 ensuite bedrooms each with their own access, meaning that we will have more accommodation for your guests to stay at the castle for your event.

The project was delayed due to the pandemic, but work has started now and is due for completion in spring 2022. Please keep an eye on this space for more updates and images as we progress.

Secret Rooms for Stimulating Stories

I’m sure you are aware of our famous former resident, Isobel Wylie Hutchison. Explorer, author, botanist and all round early 20th century Scottish legend. If not head to google and then come pay a visit to our latest room in the castle.

We locked local artist Kelly Stewart in the turret room on the top floor for a couple of weeks at the start of the year. Kelly has been inspired by Isobel’s story and  produced the most beautiful 360 degree mural with snippets and tales of Isobel scattered around an arctic landscape.

It’s the perfect space to relax, reflect and take some time out from the hustle and bustle. Isobel’s own thoughts, copies of her publications and items from her life at Carlowrie are on show. For us, it’s a wonderful link to our past and a tale that needs to be told to generations to come.

Water of Life

Christmas posed an interesting question – What happens when you run out of whisky?

You get more whisky of course.

After the huge success of our initial Carlowrie Malt at the start of lockdown, we embarked on a strenuous research mission to find another, even more special drop of the amber nectar. After many late nights and much discussion (probably) our expert panel unanimously decided on a smooth and fruity Highland 12 year old. A quick trip back to the label design and a subtle tweak or two saw the bottling of our new baby, 12 year aged single Highland Malt.

Guaranteed to warm the coldest of Scottish winter evenings and melt the hardest hearts, this is one to be enjoyed with kith and kin.

For more details or orders, please contact us info@carlowriecastle.co.uk  . Now where’s the gin…?

Wining, dining and sunshining

We are very excited about our new property and vineyard in the Loire Valley, France. Purchased during lockdown to boost Carlowrie’s portfolio, progress has taken longer than we would have hoped but we now have some exciting visuals from our architects in Paris to share. Planning permission has been granted, and we have a team on site beginning renovations and refurbishment. We will update this page regularly as it all takes shape.

Set in 6 hectares of prime wine producing land, Domaine de la Citardiere lies 20 minutes south of Saumur. Easily reached from Paris in 4 hours, or Nantes international airport in an hour and a half, the vineyard is ideally placed to sample the region’s gastronomic and bibulous delights, as well as the rich history and charming towns of the surrounding area. La Citardiere will even supply Carlowrie’s own wines from 2022.

We can sleep up to 14 people, the estate and pool are guaranteed private for your group to relax and enjoy our famous Carlowrie hospitality in warmer climes. Domaine de la Citardiere has produced wines for hundreds of years, and the vines are currently looked after by Francois and Vanessa Martin  who will be supplying the castle, and your guests with boutique organic Loire Valley wines.

Opening June 2022, we look forward to welcoming you with a glass of our very own crémant and fine French cuisine. Ideal for honeymoons, family stays and parties. Please contact us on info@carlowriecastle.co.uk  with any questions or interest.

Staycation 2020

Staycation of a Lifetime

When life gives you lemons, go live in a castle. Trips abroad may not be an option this year, however we have something way better.

A truly one-off opportunity to have your own 9-bedroom luxury castle, a team of talented private chefs and welcoming hosts at your disposal. Tennis court, manicured gardens and 32 acres of complete relaxation and seclusion for an unbeatable 2-day experience just minutes from Scotland’s glorious capital city.

Day 1

Arrive at the castle from 2pm to a welcome glass of fizz, check into your luxury bedroom and take some time to explore one of Scotland’s most unique castles. More than 90 pieces of carefully selected modern art grace the walls and grounds of this beautifully refurbished home.

Afternoon tea is served in the lounge, and our library bar is fully stocked with the finest malts, boutique Scottish gins and vintage champagnes should you require a pick me up after your journey. Relax in your own handmade roll top bath, before changing for drinks, canapes and a four-course dinner with accompanying wines, showcasing the best of Scotland’s seasonal larder and introduced by our head chef.

Coffee in the Marble lounge with selected malt whiskies provided by our sommelier, or a glass of fizz from the champagne bar are all included.

Day 2

A choice of Full Scottish or continental breakfast, then the day is yours to explore with an individual picnic lunch prepared for you by our chefs.

We can recommend walks along the beach, or a wildlife-spotting boat trip on the river Forth from nearby South Queensferry. Fruit picking in neighbouring Craigie’s Farm and walk along the coast to Dalmeny. For some retail therapy, Edinburgh’s shops and sights are 30 minutes away, and we can arrange a personal shopping experience with a professional stylist.

Back to your castle for a more relaxed dinner, perhaps a barbecue, then a movie or games to round off a perfect stay.

Day 3

Breakfast and a final walk around the estate, before check-out at 11.30am with a lifetime of memories.

We have limited availability over the next few months and expect this to be very popular. Our experience price is £9000 for a two day stay, inclusive of food, drink and board as above for up to 18 people. Extra nights and experiences can be added, please ask one of our team.