Shieldhill Castle Hotel

Just 50 minutes from Edinburgh and Glasgow, Shieldhill Castle is by Biggar in the beautiful upper Clyde Valley. Independently owned and run, this historic property has parts which date back to the 12th century. Like all good Scottish castles, it has a rarely spotted resident ghost. The Grey Lady is said to be an ill-fated member of the Chancellor family, owners of the castle up to the 1950s.

With sumptuous grounds and its own candle-lit chapel, Shieldhill Castle is understandably popular for weddings and has won awards for both its wedding facilities and romantic ambience. In addition to wedding parties, it also hosts conferences, party nights, tribute acts, murder mystery nights and grand Hogmanay balls.

Other guests come for the peace and quiet of the rural setting as well as atmospheric touches such as the suit of armour in the reception. Trying to find the castle’s secret passage is always a popular past time at Shieldhill Castle Hotel. Nelson Mandela liked it so much that he planted a tree here when he stayed for a Commonwealth Conference in Edinburgh.

Individually styled rooms

Shieldhill’s individually styled rooms are split between the castle and rooms which have been converted from the Victorian stables in the courtyard. The latter are appointed with luxurious shower rooms or wet rooms.

Each of the rooms in the castle are named after a Scottish battle and each of the stable rooms are named after a Scottish whisky. All are ensuite and have their own charm. Depending on the room, you might enjoy a spa Jacuzzi bath, four post bed or views of the tree-studded parkland and Tinto Hills in the distance.

Local sourcing

Dinner is served in the Chancellors’ Restaurant. With intricate cornicing and huge windows looking over the castle grounds, it is a gorgeous setting for a spectacular meal.

The chefs like to use the best locally sourced fresh ingredients including carefully selected fish, meat, game and vegetables. The menus change regularly. However, typical starters might be the ham hough terrine with plum chutney and toasted focaccia or the traditional Scottish smoked salmon with horseradish cream, capers and dressed leaves.

Popular main courses include the oven-roast lemon thyme chicken supreme set on a lemon thyme risotto and the wild mushroom tagliatelle with confit garlic cream.

Afternoon tea is taken in the wood panelled splendour of the hotel’s Oak Room Lounge.

During the colder months, the log fire is pressed into action and the lounge is very cosy. At all times of year, the large windows provide stunning vistas of the Borders’ countryside. You may have to share the lounge with the resident cat.

See & do

There are five golf courses within a twenty minute drive of Shieldhill. Alternatively, the hotel can arrange outdoor activities ranging from fishing and clay pigeon shooting to falconry experiences and even helicopter tours.