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Borthwick Castle has won worldwide acclaim for gracious hospitality and personal attention to all those guests who have entered this historic place and offers a tuly unique wedding venue.

Borthwick Castle stands as one of the most important historic buildings in Scotland, indeed in Europe. A twin towered baronial keep, built by the first Lord Borthwick in 1430, whose sepulchre can still be seen with that of his lady in the old village church.

It was to this castle in 1567 that Mary Queen of Scots, surely one of the most tragic and enigmatic women of all time and her third husband, the Earl of Bothwell, fled from Edinburgh to seek sanctuary in this impregnable fortress.

It was here that she and Bothwell spent their final days of freedom before being separated for ever. She was to die upon the scaffold and he to die in a Danish prison after leaving the safety of Borthwick.

Nearly a century later it was besieged by the forces of Oliver Cromwell, leader of the Roundheads in the Civil War, which led to the unique event, the dethronement, trial and beheading of a Stuart King, Charles 1.

The castle walls still bear the scars caused by the bombardment of Cromwell's cannon.

The early Borthwicks were warriors and this is reflected in the castle's history. On occasions they were not well disposed towards prisoners and legend has it that a popular sport at the castle was inviting them to jump the twelve foot gap between the towers with hands tied behind their backs.

Those who succeeded were granted their liberty.

For over 550 years, Borthwick Castle has stood defiant, majestic, indestructible - a living tribute to the skill of the great craftsmen who built this impressive and massive stone edifice.

Only twelve miles from Edinburgh in a pastoral valley, this romantic castle wedding venue stands on the summit of a knoll on the periphery of the romantic Borders immortalised by Sir Walter Scott.

Borthwick Castle built in 1430, is unique and exclusive. Once the refuge of Mary Queen of Scots and the Earl of Bothwell and besieged by Oliver Cromwell in 1650, the atmosphere and grandeur of its romantic past have been lovingly cherished and maintained.

Relax in the elegantly proportioned State Room with its beautifully arched windows, tapestries and the small chapel once used by Mary Queen of Scots on her many visits to the castle.

All the bedchambers, tastefully furnished in period style, have showers and toilets en-suite. The bedchambers, once occupied by the tragic Queen and the ill-fated Bothwell, have four poster beds and are available to guests.

Twentieth century amenities and central heating have been introduced without obtruding upon the medieval ambiance which never fails to enchant even the most sophisticated of travellers.

Guests will wonder at the miracle of the stone mason's art embodied in the spiral staircases, the fourteen foot thickness of the walls and the magnificent twin towers which stand 100 feet high from the dungeons to the battlements.

Borthwick Castle may be hired on an exclusive basis as a unique venue for intimate weddings or a gathering of the clans!

Borthwick Castle is an idyllic setting with open countryside yet Edinburgh's city centre, with its theatres and other attractions, just 20 minutes away. A full sporting programme can be arranged close by, to include archery, game and clay pigeon shooting, fishing, falconry, golf and horse riding.

The evening guests dine in the magnificent setting of the candlelit Great Hall where a four course meal is prepared by the gourmet chef who describes his cuisine as 'modern British with a strong bias for Scotland's natural larder.' A comprehensive wine list is complimented by a fine selection of malt whiskies.

While the castle caters for banquets of up to 50 guests, it especially welcomes those in search of that intimate dinner for two. In either case, the experience is unforgettable.

"We look forward to turning your Wedding Day dreams into reality!"

If you would like further information please contact us at:

Telephone & Fax: +44 (0)1875 320 490

E-Mail   Info@ScottishWeddingConsultants.co.uk

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