BOND / VENUES / SCOTLAND

Dalcross Castle

This private castle is the summer home of an Anglo-American family. Built in 1620, Dalcross Castle has been lovingly refurbished to 21st century standards. The beauty is in the exquisite detailing: tastefully integrating modern comforts with little points of beauty like the stone statues in the gardens, central heating, top of the line appliances in the professional kitchen, retention of the original stone staircase. Dalcross Castle's pink sandstone majesty sits on 800 acres of wood and farmland just outside of Inverness, Capital of the Highlands.

DALCROSS CASTLE Croy, Inverness-shire, Scotland.

> DALCROSS CASTLE WEBSITE

Corrour Lodge

Corrour Lodge is a stunning 21st century Scottish "castle" designed by LA-based architect Moshe Safdie. The 7-bedroom modernist lodge, quaint cottages and moss-roofed sauna are all set in 40,000 acres of rustic wilderness. Corrour Estate is near Fort William on Loch Ossian and is a truly unique wedding venue for the modern couple.

CORROUR LODGE Corrour Estate, Inverness-shire, Scotland.

> CORROUR LODGE / LTR

Kingsmills Hotel

For the stylish yet traditional Highland wedding, the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness is the place to go. Built in 1786 for William Inglis, Provost of Inverness, The Kingsmills was tastefully transformed into a luxury four-star hotel (formerly a Marriott) with all the modern comforts and a warm Highland welcome. Conveniently located minutes from Inverness city centre, the Kingsmills has 200 well-appointed guest rooms, internet connection and impeccable service.

KINGSMILLS HOTEL Culcabock Road, Inverness, Scotland. Tel +44 (0)1463 237166

> KINGSMILLS HOTEL WEBSITE

Skibo Castle at the Carnegie Club

Madonna and Guy Ritchie were married in Skibo Castle outside Dornoch. Andrew Carnegie returned to his native Scotland after making his fortune in America and restored the castle, now an exclusive, member's-only club.

SKIBO CASTLE Carnegie Club, Dornoch, Sutherland, Scotland. Tel +44 (0)1862 894600.

> CARNEGIE CLUB WEBSITE

Carbisdale Castle

A few miles away from the uber-exclusive Skibo, Carbisdale Castle sits atop a hillside outside Dornoch. In 1945 the castle was bequeathed to the Scottish Youth Hostels Association (SYHA) and is now also a wonderful Highland wedding venue. Boasting exquisite views, a sculpture gallery and its very own ghosts, it is a great place for a weekend-long wedding. At a fraction of the cost of any other castle, Carbisdale is also a great choice for your budget. It offers exclusive-use options and can sleep up to 189 guests. The drawback: bunk beds!

CARBISDALE CASTLE Culrain, Sutherland, Scotland. Tel +44 (0)870 004 1109

> CARBISDALE CASTLE WEBSITE

Urquhart Castle

Urquhart Castle is a magical venue on the banks of Loch Ness. This ancient Pictish stronghold was established in the 13th century and was later the scene of an epic battle with the Jacobites. Now reduced to enchanted ruins, the site seems to beckon "Nessie" to show herself. A magical place for a wedding, Urquhart Castle also has several locations for the reception, including their modern visitor's centre and cafe.

URQUHART CASTLE Drumnadrochit, Inverness-shire, Scotland.

> URQUHART CASTLE / HISTORIC SCOTLAND

Erchless Castle

Charming, sprawling and a bit run-down, Erchless Castle has a fun and kitschy quality to it. The ancient home of the Chief Clan Chisholm from the Norman Conquest until 1935, Erchless has been done up as a kooky hunting-lodge complete with stag heads and tiger skin rugs. The Victorian wing provides the main accommodations, with 7 large, quirky bedrooms with threadbare coverlets and sagging mattresses. The rather eccentric owner keeps quarters in the adjoining wing of the castle. The result is a sort of Chelsea Hotel feel out in the middle of the Scottish farmland. I quite liked it; it felt like Syd Vicious could die there. Erchless is let out for private events, as well as sporting parties who like to take full advantage of the 12,000 acre estate and 12 miles of fishing on the River Glas.

ERCHLESS CASTLE near Beauly, Inverness-shire, Scotland.

> ERCHLESS CASTLE / GEORGE GOLDSMITH

Loch Ness Lodge

Right on the water, the Loch Ness Lodge is a front runner for small wedding venues in the Highlands. A lovely place for an intimate wedding, this chic little lodge with its seven designer bedrooms can host a reception for up to 24 people.

LOCH NESS LODGE Brachla, Inverness-shire, Scotland. Tel +44 (0)1456 459469

> LOCH NESS LODGE WEBSITE