Category - Weddings

First Castle in the World to Receive B Corp Certification

We are over the moon to become the first castle in the world to be awarded B Corp Certification, perfectly in time to celebrate our 10th year in business.

B Corp Certification is awarded to businesses that are able to demonstrate and maintain exceptionally high standards of socially and environmentally conscious practices. We now stand alongside international companies such as Patagonia, TOMS and Aesop who have all received the coveted Certification for putting people and planet before profit.

Andrew Marshall, CEO said: “In an age where businesses and consumers are seeing the importance of putting social and environmental issues above everything else, becoming B Corp Certified this month after 10 years of trading, is an excellent way to show our customers our lasting commitment to doing good by people and planet.”

Companies from around the world already use the castle for corporate retreats and events, and now we are excited to welcome even more like minded socially and environmentally conscious businesses through our doors in the wake of this announcement.

“When our guests come to Carlowrie Castle, whether that be for a business conference, a wedding, an exclusive-use party, a community event, or a private stay, they know that they are supporting us on our mission for an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy,” Andrew continued.

To attain B Corp Certification, we had to undergo a comprehensive and rigorous process to measure our entire social and environmental performance. From supply chain and input materials to charitable giving and employee benefits, B Corp Certification verifies that a business is meeting high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. All B Corp businesses are manually assessed and audited every three years to ensure they maintain these high standards.

Chris Turner, executive director of B Lab UK, said: “Welcoming Carlowrie Castle to the B Corp community is hugely exciting. Its commitment to doing business differently will be an inspiration to others and will help spread the notion that success in business is as much about people and planet as it is profit.”

Keith Taylor, Operations Director said: “Giving back to the environment and our community has long been an important part of what we do at Carlowrie Castle, but achieving this Certification has pushed us to do even more. It is a deliberately difficult Certification to attain which means it is held only by businesses who are truly passionate about environmental and social wellbeing. We’re immensely proud to be joining a group of like-minded businesses who share our commitment.”

The Breakfast Bothy Fundraiser

Do you know we run a charity? The Breakfast Bothy is a bright yellow former police box located near The Meadows in central Edinburgh. It was opened by the team at Carlowrie Castle in 2020 with a simple idea in mind: to provide a hot drink and breakfast to those who are homeless or otherwise unable to provide for themselves.

The Breakfast Bothy has created a safe community providing services, friendship and purpose. To further support our community, we are opening a charity shop which will not only provide funds to keep The Breakfast Bothy running but will be a community hub for our guests.

On the 19th April, 40 volunteers from Carlowrie braved the cold (2 degrees to be exact) and spent the night outside, in the grounds of the castle, to raise the final funds in order to make this happen.

Throughout the evening we heard from our guest speaker Walter DeForest, who shared his experience of homelessness and how that introduced him to art. He is now an artist and holds the record for the highest number of portraits created in 12 hours.

A huge thank you to everyone who donated, participated and supported us in helping raise over £11,000 towards setting up the community hub and charity shop, The Bothy Boutique.

Wedded Bliss at Carlowrie

At the end of last month we welcomed many couples to our wedding open day. In a day filled with music and entertainment, delicious canapés, sweet treats, many glasses of fizz, excited chatter, and some beautiful sunshine, we showcased all the wonderful things that Carlowrie Castle has to offer.

The wedding open day gave couples the opportunity to explore the castle, meet our vendors, and picture themselves walking down the aisle in this beautiful location. Our superb team and over 30 of Scotland’s leading wedding suppliers were on hand to help our guests plan their dream day. From flower arrangements and cake design, to invitations, entertainment, and so much more, our wedding vendors truly are the best in the business in our opinion. To top it all off, each of our guests received a goodie bag from the team at Harvey Nichols.

For anyone who missed out on attending our open day, rest assured that we host private tastings and tours of the castle throughout the year. Get in touch if you would like to book your visit and we would be delighted to show you around and help you plan your big day.

Top Wedding Venue in the World by Grazia!

We are beyond excited to have been named one of the ‘Best Wedding Venues Around The World’ by Grazia. And, not only one of the top 8 venues in the world but the only UK venue to be chosen.

We love nothing more than making each couples dreams come true and the team work tirelessly to make it happen, so this is for them.

We are blown away by all the messages we have received from our Carlowrie couples, partners and industry colleagues, congratulating us on this very special shortlist.

Find out what Grazia had to say HERE.

Ultimate Exclusive Use Party Venue

The castle is featured in Singapore Airlines priority member’s club magazine as one of the world’s most inspirational exclusive use party venues – vineyard estates in Australia, chalets in Switzerland, houseboats in South Africa and us! We couldn’t agree more.

Welcome to Carlowrie’s new Executive Chef Jonathan Greer

Formerly of Northern Ireland, Jonny’s passion for cooking has gained widespread recognition within the hospitality industry.

Having worked with Paul Rankin at the Michelin starred Roscoff in Belfast Jonny moved to Scotland in August 1999 as a Sous Chef at Gleneagles, before moving to Ballathie House Hotel, swiftly becoming Head Chef. In 2007 Jonny became Head Chef at Murrayshall Country House Hotel in Scone retaining 2 AA Rosettes for the restaurant and achieving a silver from Eat Scotland.

During Jonny’s career he has been fortunate to have cooked for well-known people including members of the royal family and has completed ‘stages’ at restaurants including Marco Pierre White’s ‘Mirabelle’ and Michel Roux Jr.’s ‘Le Gavroche’.

In his spare time Jonny enjoys spending time with family, foraging and salmon fishing.

Nope – no Pokemons here!

Rumour has it we ‘had’ a Pokemon appear at the weekend – we would know if we have and we haven’t seen it – we looked everywhere!.

As much as we want to be up with the latest trends and down with the kids, there are no Pokestops, no eggs and no gyms. We do have quite a few Roe deer, rabbits and birds, a tennis court, fountains and mysterious room with no access to it in the turret.

Carlowrie is a family friendly ‘non-combat’ private estate. Terrestrial visits are by appointment only – we don’t want to disappoint or appear to be rude by refusing access – ‘…Go’ Away’ if you stroll up the drive un-announced – see what we did there! Our virtual viewings can be arranged by Skype and Facebook. Thank you

ANYONE FOR TENNIS?

In celebration of Middle Sunday at Wimbledon – Game, Set and Match at Carlowrie! Off to find the Pimms.

OUR NEW BAR

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!!

VOTE FOR US!

We are over the moon to say that we have been short listed for Best Castle Venue in association with The UK Wedding Awards.  Now we need you to help us get to the finals, please go on and vote for us.

Team Carlowrie are so thankful for the support and votes.

http://www.hitched.co.uk/awards/vote/#best-castle-venue