Borthwick Castle

  The Detail...

Experience 600 years of Scottish history in this awe-inspiring castle set amongst beautiful grounds and just a short drive from Edinburgh. Secret doorways and spiral staircases take guests into 12 separate private bedchambers, all with exquisitely designed interiors bursting with atmosphere and character and filled with thoughtfully-placed vintage pieces. It has been carefully refurbished to incorporate modern luxuries without compromising the romance and charm of this magnificent castle.

Each of the rooms bears its own name and some have been named in honour of the guests who once stayed. Adinston is twin room once hidden away by a newly re-opened secret staircase. It has direct access to the Bothwell Room, with its own wood stove and a luxurious wet room. Bothwell, named after Mary, Queen of Scots' husband, is a handsome room filled with opulent splendour, a carved medieval chimney breast stands proudly near the centre and thick, ceiling to floor, velvet curtains pull back to reveal a bath and shower alcove.

Positioned directly opposite Bothwell, is the room's counter chamber - Mary, Queen of Scots. Mary slept in this room on several occasions and its regal splendour remains. A royal canopy modelled on Mary's bed at Holyrood Palace dominates the bed, luxury furnishings and fabrics enhance the character, and tucked inside the castle wall is a private shower room.

Sinclair is situated at the top of the tower, it is home to an original Uccello painting of the Battle of San Romano, an early Renaissance example of perspective. The room has a vaulted stone ceiling, iron candelabra and cosy log burner. Majestic with oak wall panels and high ceilings, the Lord Borthwick room is filled with blues and dark wooden furnishings, including the magnificent carved wooden bed which features the Borthwick crest in its centre.

Other famous guests, who have had rooms named in their honour, include Sir Walter Scott and Oliver Cromwell, while the Knights Templar room was so-named after the famous order which was founded in 1128 just five miles from Borthwick.

In addition to the stunning bedrooms, the castle has three exceptional principal rooms where guests can feast, dance and party long into the evening.

The castle chefs are on hand to create bespoke menus for guests at their request, from breakfast-in-bed for one to medieval style banquets, with the finest quality, local and seasonal produce always used. Guests will struggle to drag themselves away from this beautiful location but they can experience a taste of Scotland by visiting the nearby Glenkinchie distillery or arrange for a private tasting at the castle. Edinburgh is just a short distance away, as is Rosslyn Chapel, one of Scotlands most remarkable buildings.