Category - Team

Our Executive Chef, David Millar, Wins Scottish Chef of the Year 2025

27th February 2025

We’re beyond proud to share that our Executive Chef, David Millar, has been named Scottish Chef of the Year 2025 at the Scottish Culinary Championships.

The competition, held in Glasgow as part of ScotHot, put some of Scotland’s most talented chefs through a high-pressure challenge, testing their creativity, precision, and ability to turn incredible ingredients into award-winning dishes.

David’s menu, which featured sustainably sourced venison from Ronay Island, won over the expert judging panel with its bold flavours and expert craftsmanship.

David said: “To win the Scottish Chef of the Year is the result of years of hard work, months of planning, and hours and hours of run-throughs. Within the chef community it’s a very prestigious honour and I’m over the moon to take the title. To have the judges eat my food that I was happy with was massive for me, I have zero regrets.’’

A Rising Star in Scottish Cuisine

 

David has been making waves in the culinary world, most recently competing on the 20th anniversary series of Great British Menu, where he took on some of Scotland’s top chefs. His skill, creativity, and passion for seasonal, local produce have set him apart as a chef to watch.

Since joining Carlowrie Castle, David has taken our dining experience to new heights, crafting unforgettable menus for luxury weddings, corporate events, and private stays. His focus on sustainability and seasonality aligns perfectly with Carlowrie Castle’s B Corp certification, reflecting our commitment to ethical, responsible hospitality.

A Proud Moment for Carlowrie Castle

 

Our Operations Director, Keith Taylor, said: “David’s creativity and dedication make him a true force in Scottish hospitality. His commitment to crafting outstanding dishes using sustainably sourced and local produce is admirable and his leadership and expertise have elevated our entire kitchen team, inspiring a new level of excellence. This award is very well deserved, and we couldn’t be prouder.”

Winning Scottish Chef of the Year is a massive achievement, and we’re so lucky to have David leading the way in our kitchen. If you’ve been a guest at Carlowrie, you’ll know firsthand why he took home the top prize!

We can’t wait to see what’s next for David and the Carlowrie Castle dining experience.

Want to experience David’s award-winning food?

 

Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate event, or private stay, Carlowrie Castle offers an unforgettable setting, paired with world-class cuisine.

Contact us today to book.

Every Day is a School Day

08th January 2024

Because we are a little quieter in events certainly doesn’t mean things grind to a halt at Carlowrie. This is the time of year when we invest in the Castle through refurbishments and refreshments, our clients – who are all booked in for tastings and discussions and our greatest resource – our fabulous team.

Over the past weeks we have been catching up with each member in all departments and putting together progression plans. Our team training has been both in small groups and all together. On fine tuning skills. It’s not all been hard work, with the cocktail and wine training proving especially popular.

Last week the Isobel Award 2023 winners, Art in Healthcare, came out to run sessions which had us painting and creating in mixed groups. The initial misgivings of a few of the team were quickly dispelled and we all had an absolute blast – not to mention discovering hidden talents!

We’re planting a truffle orchard.

25th February 2022

Truffles and truffle oils are delicacies that most people associate with the warmer climes of the continent. So, it might surprise you to know that we’re planting our very own truffle orchard right here in Scotland. While it’s true that truffles are traditionally grown in France and Italy, some varieties thrive in cooler climates. Soil conditions can be ideal for truffle cultivation in parts of Scotland too. Truffles grow on the roots of trees and do especially well amongst oak, hazel and beech, all of which are indigenous to the UK and provide a fantastic habitat for our wildlife. In a few years, we hope to be serving our guests with our own Scottish-grown truffle delicacies. Watch this space.

Carlowrie Cuisine – Simply the Best

23rd May 2019

 

Our Chef and creator of all things delicious Iain MacDonald grew up in the foothills of the Highlands surrounded by the finest of our country’s larder.  He’s a firm believer that we have the best ingredients available on our doorstep and his menus are inspired by seasonal and local products. His focus, style and attention to detail make the culinary experience at Carlowrie simply the best.

If you’d like to treat yourself and a few friends to a Cookery Masterclass with Chef, so you can be better than all the rest….. get in touch.

BLOOMING LOVELY!

08th June 2016

A short post to share a glorious image from the Walled Garden taken by David the Castle’s Head Gardener. Beautiful delicate pale blue Meconopsis – and a cheeky Alium photo bombing in the background.

OUR NEW BAR

08th June 2016

The castle has a brand new glamorous bar that was installed for Andrew’s 40^th birthday party (he owns the castle) which was a great success. In fact a little too much of a success! But, we didn’t say that.  The addition of the bar ensures that guests experience the ‘exclusively’ intimate atmosphere of a private members club when they stay, or join us as part of a larger group. Ideal to gather for a pre, and post, event drink or two!!

A WARM WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST TEAM MEMBER

29th October 2015

It gives us great pleasure in welcoming Caroline to our Carlowrie Team as Business Development Manager.

Already Caroline has settled in very well.  Caroline has a strong passion for luxury and independently owned properties, with an industry experience of over 30 years’ its clear to say that we are more than happy to have Caroline as part of the Carlowrie Team.

A big hello to our latest team member

02nd September 2015

We are very happy to announce that Tracey Smith has joined our team, coming on board as Director of Sales. She brings with her a wealth of experience from the industry and a huge passion for delivering the best service for all our clients at Carlowrie.

She has previously worked all round Scotland in 5 star Castles and hotels and resorts, so we are delighted she has joined us here and we look forward to working together.

 

 

Fun all round with Maximillion

26th August 2015

Kilts, cocktails and canapes was the order of the day with our recent corporate fun day. Maximillion organised a fantastic fun day for a corporate client which got everyone competing in ‘clans’ on segways (pictured), quads and Highland games. The activities then culminated in a giant tug of war.

After all their hard work, our guests were rewarded with a relaxed BBQ and drinks in the sunshine, while they played giant games on our events lawn.

If you would like to arrange a corporate day with us, please email Angie Alexander, our Business Development Director, for more details.

 

Prepare for a Wilde Thyme!

20th January 2015

We are excited to announce that we are partnering with award winning caterers, Wilde Thyme at the Castle. Wilde Thyme have exclusivity at Carlowrie and Andrew Hamer, MD, and his team are a pleasure to work with, being true professionals in every sense of the word and were winners in the “Best UK Event Caterer” category at the UK Event Awards 2013.

Their food and service are first class and we are looking forward to the year ahead, planning weddings, corporate and private events together. For more information on Wilde Thyme, please contact our dedicated Events Manager, Ilona McLaren.