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Borthwick Castle

EXCLUSIVE USE LUXURY MEDIEVAL CASTLE 

Borthwick Castle is quite simply incredible. Located only a short 20 minute drive from Edinburgh, Scotland's much loved capital city, Borthwick Castle has played a fascinating role in Scottish history. The last permenent home to Mary Queen of Scots and famously the site of a Cromwellian seige. Borthwick Castle is then, a true relic from the medieval era and reputed to be the best preserved medieval castle in Scotland. Guests cannot deny this is a totally unique experience. 

10 luxury bedrooms together with high quality luxury farm steading accommodation, Borthwick can accommodate up to 30 guests per night. 

Available for exclusive use to large families, corportate or incentive travel groups or for private hire, the castle and its grounds make for the perfect venue for a luxury event. Sandgrouse Travel & Expeditions are able to arrange your very own mini Highland Games here in the grounds, a Pipe Band or lone Piper to serenade your guests, a Medieval banquet and or themed evenings from Game of Thrones style nights and much more. 

We believe Borthwick Castle to be one of Scotland's absolute best exclusive use castle, offering something totally unique and at a 5 Star standard. Speak to your Sandgrouse Travel & Expeditions travel designer for further information on including Borthwick Castle into your 'Luxury Scotland' itinerary. 

Borthwick Castle is perfect for large families, multi-generational travel and incentive or corporate travel.

Overview

Borthwick Castle is one of the finest and best preserved 15th century keeps in Scotland. A unique experience for visitors begins on entry through the main fortified gates. Step back in time 600 years to a medieval world of luxury and decadence. Borthwick Castle has been recently fully refurbished in a sympathetic and tasteful manner in keeping with its original medieval era of contruction. The new owners have truly given this most important of Scottish castles a rebirth, creating what we believe to be a one of a kind experience for vistors and guests who wish to seek out a geninue castle experience. 

The Keep

An imposing fortress composed of a massive double tower surrounded by an embattled wall, it is much admired for the beauty of its proportions as well as the solidity and accuracy of its masonry It is the culmination of a rich 600 year history which starts with its creator, Sir William de Borthwick, and continues through some of the most dramatic episodes in Scotland’s past. The complete castle sits on a knoll – the ‘Mote of Lochwart’ - at the centre of a small but well cultivated valley, well positioned to guard the road south to the Borders from Edinburgh. 

Castle Rooms

There are three main rooms at the castle available to guests for use. These are impressive grand room with a huge capcity each: 

The Great Hall can seat up to 85 for sit down banquets and evening receptions. This space is also perfect for a traditional Scottish ceilidh.
The State Room can hold up to 85 guests for a drinks reception, canapes or relaxing area after dinner.
The Garrison which is on the top floor is mostly used for ceremonies. The Garrison can also be used for drinks receptions.
 

Castle Bedchambers

There are ten impressive and indivudual bedrooms which each with its own character and offering guests a different atmosphere. 

Wizards Tower
Knights Templar
Earl of Bothwell
Adinston
Sinclair
Mary Queen of Scots
Red Rose
Sir Walter Scott
Lord Borthwick
Oliver Cromwell

medieval castle, borthwick castle

Borthwick Castle, Medieval Keep Scotland

Things to do in the area whilst at Borthwick Castle

Beyond the castle's fortified ramparts and walls we recommmend a number of local experiences and excursions to be enjoyed. 

First class whisky tasting and distillery tours are conducted at the single malt distillery of Glenkinchie. Glenkinchie also offers a Taste of Scotland tour which really leaves you with a great understanding of the Scottish whisky industry and a new appreciation for Scotland's most famous export. 

Locally you will find a range of hills called The Pentlands, these hills are located just outside Edinburgh and offer excellent day hiking opportunities and even some fishing. Speak to your Sandgrouse Travel consultant for more information. 

A short distance from Borthwick Castle lies the impressive Rosslyn Chapel, said to be the resting place of the Holy Grail and the St John the Baptists skull - whether or not these are true remains to be seen however Rosslyn Chapel is well worth a visit if only for the fascinating documented history and incredibly well preseved and detailed medieval stone calvings.