Rothes Glen

9.5Speyside, Scotland

Exclusive Use

You can have the venue to yourself, sleeps 28 guests in 14 rooms.

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Weddings

You can get married at this venue.

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Luxury exclusive-use accommodation for whisky connoisseurs and all those who love Scotland!

Rothes Glen is a luxury exclusive-use castle in the heart of Speyside, with a picture-perfect location that offers breath-taking views towards the glen.

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Built by the Dunbar Dunbar family in 1893 and designed by the famous whisky architect Charles Chree Doig, Rothes Glen is an iconic Baronial-style Highland castle.

Whether it's opulence or comfort, luxury feasting or outdoor adventure you are looking for, Rothes Glen is the ideal place to enjoy the very best Scottish hospitality in the heart of whisky country.

Inside

Extensively refurbished to the highest specifications, Rothes Glen offers luxury accommodation for up to 28 guests in 14 en suite bedrooms.

As you walk in the main entrance, you are confronted with the opulent hall with Italian mosaic floor, crystal chandelier and sweeping staircase, all lit by the stain-glass lay-light. The hall leads you to the reception rooms, each packed with antiques, oil paintings and character.

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There are formal drawing and dining-rooms, a library, large snooker room, tasting room and whisky vault as well as a magnificent recently refurbished kitchen and breakfast room. All the reception rooms have huge original windows with fabulous views, open fireplaces and panelled ceilings and are furnished to the very highest standard.

Dining can take place in the grand dining room, informal breakfast room or, when weather permits, on the outdoor terraces (bespoke picnics, sumptuous afternoon teas or light lunches can also be served wherever you choose). In the centre of the castle is a large courtyard which includes extensive seating and heaters, a game larder, stores for shooting, fishing and outdoor games, and heated dog kennels.

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The 14 en suite king-size bedrooms have been fully refurbished and all are marvellously generous in size. Each bedroom is different and has been lovingly furnished and decorated to reflect the character of the castle. Every bedroom has a king-size bed, crisp cotton sheets, goose-down bedding and an abundance of fluffy white towels and luxury bath and body products.

All of the furniture and furnishings have been sourced from local antique shops, auction houses and the very best local businesses. Each bedroom has a large bathroom with under-floor heating, heated towel rail, huge shower and large bath with delicious white fluffy robes. There are ten grand bedrooms on the first floor, and a further four on the second floor, with an accessible bedroom suite on the ground floor, if required.

Whisky Observatory

As you climb the winding staircase to the very top of the Rothes Glen tower, you reach the new whisky observatory. Wood panelled to mimic the inside of a whisky washback, you can sit and enjoy the stunning views with a dram and telescope or read next to the fire in one of the tweed armchairs

Excellent Wi-Fi is beamed across the glen, with newly refitted electricity and plumbing throughout.

Rothes Glen is fully staffed by a friendly local team who will look after your every need during your stay. The General Manager will arrange every detail, from transport and dining to fully bespoke trips and excursions. The in-house chef will prepare delicious breakfasts, lunches, teas and dinners, using the very best locally sourced fresh produce. Ghillies and guides are ready and waiting from local estates, should they be required.

Damian Riley-Smith, who owns Rothes Glen, is also the founder and owner of Whisky Magazine and has used his wealth of experience and extensive whisky contacts to ensure all the whisky cabinets are stocked with one of the best selections of whisky and other spirits in Speyside. The team can source unique tours, whisky and food-pairing tastings, access to closed distilleries and whisky personalities, blenders, ambassadors and distillery managers and book tailored whisky experiences, such as tastings and dinners with leading experts.

The Grounds

The gardens and grounds of Rothes Glen are extensive and private and have been lovingly restored. The formal private gardens include a terrace rose garden, mosaic topiary garden and extensive lawns for croquet, games or relaxing on one of the sun loungers.

Activities

There is an abundance of local seasonal activities available for guests to choose from, including shooting on local estates, fishing on the River Spey, and 4x4 safari adventures. Bespoke activity packages can be created.

History

Duncan Dunbar became, during his lifetime (1849-1891), the biggest private ship-owner in the world. He left his vast wealth to his sister, Phoebe, who with her husband Edward Dunbar-Dunbar, bought the Birchfield Estate in 1870.

Prices

Exclusive use of Rothes Glen includes the following:

  • Private use of the whole castle.
  • Up to 14 en-suite king-size bedrooms all with their own large bathrooms with underfloor heating, heated towel rail, shower and bath.
  • One accessible bedroom suite with wet room with underfloor heating, heated towel rail and private sitting room.
  • Welcome afternoon tea or dram on arrival.
  • Daily full Scottish breakfast.
  • Daily afternoon tea.
  • Daily housekeeping.
  • Use of golf, fishing and gun rooms, kennels and all outdoor amenities.
  • All electricity, heating and logs for fires.
  • Internationally renowned Rothes Glen Chef.
  • Rothes Glen team available to plan itineraries, book activities and assist guests with any enquiries.
  • Personal service to buy drinks from the house whisky collection, served by the dram or in 100ml decanters.
  • Rothes Glen personal gifts for each suite.

A range of menus is available for a two-course lunch at £60 per head, three-course dinner at £115 per head or five-course dinner at £159 per head.

An extensive range of spirits, wines, beers, Champagne and soft drinks is offered. A large range of additional activities can be arranged and will be priced based on requirements. Prices include VAT.

We would be delighted to discuss any specific requirements you may have, please contact us.

Christmas & New Year 2024 14 Rooms 10 Rooms
4 nights £41,580 £35,340
1 Nov 2024 - 11 Apr 2025 14 Rooms 10 Rooms
2 nights £14,600 £12,400
3 nights £21,880 £18,600
4 nights £27,720 £23,560
11 Apr 2025 - 1 Nov 2025 14 Rooms 10 Rooms
2 nights £19,150 £16,300
3 nights £28,750 £24,400
4 nights £36,500 £30,900
Christmas & New Year 2025 14 Rooms 10 Rooms
4 nights £43,800 £37,080
1 Nov 2025 - 29 Mar 2026 14 Rooms 10 Rooms
2 nights £15,320 £13,040
3 nights £23,000 £19,520
4 nights £29,200 £24,720
30 Mar 2026 - 1 Nov 2026 14 Rooms 10 Rooms
2 nights £20,100 £17,100
3 nights £30,200 £25,650
4 nights £38,200 £32,500

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Location

Rothes Glen is situated just to the north of Rothes, in the heart of the Spey Valley. Elgin is 7 miles to the north, with the Moray Firth 5 miles beyond. Inverness Airport is 40 miles (1 hour) to the west, and Aberdeen airport 58 miles (1 hour 15 minutes) to the east. Aviemore train station, with direct connections to Edinburgh and on to London, is 43 miles (1 hour) away. There is a private helicopter pad and unlimited parking with electric car charging points.

Reviews

9.5

Private GuestRothes Glen must be the warmest, slickest and most comfortable castle in Speyside. All your attention to detail makes it such a spoiling and delicious experience.
Alex and JustinThank you for making our wedding weekend so incredibly special. Words truly cannot describe how thrilled we were (and still are) with the entire experience. There were many unique moments that contributed to us, our families, and friends having the best time. Ranging from the incredibly warm welcome and walk through on Wednesday to a bagpipe welcome for Justin and I on Thursday – we truly were not expecting the piper and welcome whisky for us, rather just for our guests. It is still such a special standout moment for us both. Steve, you managed ‘Steve’s Bar’ with genuine cheer and always a story, which we know allowed all of us to build a connection with you – even to the point where a rousing chant of “Steve, Steve, Steve” felt like the most natural conclusion to what was a fantastic firework display. This was all capped off by expert recs for our trip to Skye – while we did not manage the Michelin star restaurant, every rec led us to beautiful places mostly still with the sun shining. Joanna, a massive thank you to your support since last November. There was so much anticipation and excitement on our end, building over the last months, and being at Rothes with your guidance, hospitality and management to the point where we did not have to worry about anything, was all above expectations. We continue to receive messages from our family and friends saying how much they miss castle life – so again, thank you for helping us all make Rothes feel like home for 3 days. Feel free to use any photos from the wedding – we are also happy to send more! And, if you need us to bring the good weather, do not hesitate to call. Thank you again for an experience that none of us will ever forget! Alex and Justin
Private GuestGroup was amazed by their stay and the entire holiday. This was possible with your and your team's effort only. Thanks a million! It was a huge prestige for our company and we have received so many good comments. Thank you very much for your kind, patient and friendly partnership.
Orkun, TurkeyOur group was amazed by their stay. It was excellent. I, personally, have to thank Joannna for her amazing support and cooperation.

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