28th September 2023

Edinburgh’s a city that doesn’t need any embellishment but bathed in autumn light and adorned with the yellows, reds and orange hues of the season it’s a real feast for the eyes. Pack your big coat and a sense of adventure and savour Scotland’s capital in low season, away from the masses. Stay at Dalhousie Castle and you can be in the city centre in under 30 minutes* from the local train station. Explore the capital by day and return…

20th September 2022

Dalhousie Castle’s Head Chef Pedro Barriera may not have been born in Scotland but he’s hugely passionate about the local produce on offer here. And with responsibility for overseeing the food in Dalhousie’s two AA rosette Dungeon Restaurant, Orangery Restaurant and extensive banqueting, his love of Scottish ingredients is shining through in his cooking. In readiness for British Food Fortnight, we quizzed Pedro about his love of Scottish food and his influences. Describe your cooking style in three words* Modern,…

17th March 2022

We are delighted to have appointed Pedro Barreira as Head Chef. Pedro was promoted to the position having previously worked as Senior Sous Chef at the castle since 2018. Passionate about local, seasonal produce, Pedro brings a wealth of experience and culinary expertise to the role and his appointment underscores our hotel’s commitment to develop talent and promote ‘from within’. Pedro started his career at Gary Rhodes’ Rhodes & Co Edinburgh restaurant where he was employed as a waiter. Having…

6th January 2022

What could be more magical that a winter wedding in the fairy-tale surrounds of a castle? A celebration with friends and family cocooned inside the thick walls of an historic building, with flickering candlelight, rich tapestries and the possibility of a sprinkling of snow outside.  It’s a picture of warmth. Grand, yet cosy. But there are other, often taken for granted, advantages to marrying in the winter months.  Cost Many venues will offer special rates for winter weddings, saving you…

20th May 2021

You’ll never be stuck for hearty food in Scotland. Thanks to our unique climate and terrain, Scotland is home to some of the finest produce available to eat anywhere in the world. From the rugged mountains, lakes, sea lochs and fertile moorlands our home-reared meat, fish and dairy products are not only intrinsically linked to the landscapes, but also to Scotland’s heritage and folklore. Sure, Irn-Bru and deep-fried Mars bars also have a place in Scotland’s food scene but for…

1st February 2021

There is no mistaking Valentine’s Day feels a little different for all of us this year. Valentine’s shopping is even more tricky with the addition of the lockdown and the closure of non-essential shops. So we’ve compiled some of our favourite ideas for that all-important romantic gift  we would be (really) happy to receive. Each of our gifts and experiences are unique, memorable and delivered in a beautifully romantic, historical setting. Be it an indulgent spa treat they can enjoy…

7th December 2020

Give me a man after midnight… The Scots love a Hogmanay party. While, sadly, this year’s celebrations will be a somewhat pared down version across the nation, there are some traditions that won’t be dropped. At Dalhousie Castle, and in many homes across Scotland, we’ll be honouring the tradition of First Footing as the new year begins. Stemming back to the time of the invading Vikings in the 8th and 9th century, it is believed that the first person to…

25th September 2020

Dalhousie Castle sits off the beaten track surrounded by acres of woodland, and is just eight miles from Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh. This means you can go from relaxed country living, to bustling city life in just one quick journey. It makes the castle the perfect location for a staycation if you’re looking for a mix of relaxing and luxury, as well as sightseeing. If you’re planning a trip, let us inspire your staycation planning with our top staycation itinerary,…

4th August 2020

Walk around the castle and you’ll find the remains of the deep, dry moat and holes where the beams for the drawbridge mechanism were positioned above the main door. Look closely and you’ll see the machicolations used by the castle guards to drop nasty things on invaders below. Then there’s the initials of Sir George Ramsay on the wall of the keep that the eagle-eyed may spot (he was granted a royal charter in 1618 by King James).  There’s certainly…

21st April 2020

The Edinburgh Edit: Recommended Reading List We’re all looking for a little escapism right now so if you’re in need of some fuel to fire your wanderlust, have a browse through our pick of Edinburgh-inspired reads while you plan your next trip to Bonny Scotland.    Fiction The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark The wry and witty tale of Edinburgh teacher Miss Brodie’s prime and fall is an unmissable read- short and bittersweet. Set in 1930’s Scotland,…