Dalhousie Castle takes board meetings of about 10 people in its turret rooms and conferences or dinners for up to 100 delegates in its ballroom when the whole castle is booked. With 35 bedrooms, a chapel and two restaurants, it can run a residential event from arrival to departure. The castle stands in Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, eight miles south of Edinburgh.
Seminars and company events
Small groups use the turret rooms, which suit a board meeting or a working session around a single table. Larger groups move to the ballroom, which holds up to 100 delegates and is offered on an exclusive-use basis, so a company has the building to itself for the length of its event. The events team can also arrange private dining in a dedicated room, which works well for a closing dinner after a day of meetings. Parking on site is free and plentiful, which helps when delegates drive in from Edinburgh or further afield.
Weddings and receptions
Weddings are a core part of the business. Ceremonies can take place in the castle's historic chapel, and receptions use a series of restored public rooms. Couples can take exclusive use of the whole estate, including the bedrooms, so guests stay under the same roof. An in-house wedding team works with each couple on the plan, and a wedding brochure is available on request.
Rooms and capacities
The castle publishes two figures for meetings: turret rooms seating board meetings of 10, and a ballroom for up to 100 delegates on exclusive use. It does not list a capacity for each layout, so theater, classroom and banquet numbers should be confirmed with the events team. The chapel serves for ceremonies.
Accommodation
There are 35 bedrooms, split between the castle itself and a lodge. Castle categories range from Castle Classic and Castle Deluxe to feature rooms with a vaulted well or a balcony, four-poster rooms and a suite. The Lodge offers Classic and Deluxe rooms, a Junior Suite and a Suite. With exclusive use, every bedroom is reserved for the group.
Catering
Meals are prepared in house. The Dungeon Restaurant serves dinner in the vaulted lower level of the castle, the Ramsay Restaurant offers a second dining room, and afternoon tea is served as well. For events, the team builds menus for private groups served in a room of their own.
History and setting
Dalhousie Castle describes itself as a 13th-century fortress. It sits in eleven acres of private parkland and woodland on the banks of the River Esk, close enough to Edinburgh for an evening in the city and quiet enough for a retreat. The building is listed Category A.
Getting there
The castle is eight miles from central Edinburgh and within easy reach of public transport. Edinburgh Airport is the nearest airport, and Newtongrange station on the Borders Railway is a short taxi ride away. Groups coming by coach or car can use the free car park on site.
