This year has seen events change in a way that was never anticipated. But we’re looking forward to when we can bring food, music and good cheer back to the event spaces at Historic Scotland locations.
For centuries the great halls in Scotland’s castles have played host to a wide range of events. It’s really inspiring to celebrate a wedding, party or corporate event in a venue that has seen feasts, dances or spectacles commissioned by kings and queens.
So cue the trumpet fanfare! This blog can help you discover the perfect venue for your next event in Scotland. It’s sure to go down in history…
Splendid Stirling
Stirling Castle is set on a dramatic volcanic crag which has been fortified since ancient times. Generations of Scottish monarchs have stayed in Stirling – and they certainly enjoyed a party!
The Great Hall can host up to 450 for a reception or up to 300 for a banquet (pre-Covid-19). This is how it looked for a visit from the Queen to re-open the royal palace © Rob McDougall
The Great Hall was added to the existing site for James IV in the early 1500s. It’s the largest banqueting hall ever built in Scotland. The crowning glory of this room is the impressive, 11-metre high oak ceiling, along with the five grand fireplaces.
This incredible space retains its magical and medieval feel, but is capable of hosting a more modern occasion, such as when events organiser 21CC transformed it from a banqueting hall to nightclub.
Also, within Stirling Castle is the stunning Chapel Royal, built for celebration and ideal for special events. Ideal for a future special celebration, birthday, wedding or business event, it’s the ultimate unique venue to impress!
Interior of the Chapel, set up for a function, Stirling Castle. ©Marc Millar
Elegant Edinburgh
Right in the heart of the Scottish capital, Edinburgh Castle towers over the city and is a true icon on the skyline. It sits at the top of the famous Royal Mile, which runs through the Old Town of Edinburgh to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Inside the castle, the Queen Anne Room is a majestic space that marries a captivating setting with the practicality of a flexible event space. What makes this early 1700s room special is its prime location in Crown Square at the top of the Castle.
An alfresco drinks reception in Crown Square can be followed by a banquet in the Queen Anne Room.
The Queen Anne Room is an ideal venue for a wedding, a banquet or a large reception. The views from the windows across the city are stunning! Moreover, its self-contained space is ideal for those who want a feeling of exclusivity.
What’s more, the castle’s resident Clarsach player names a specific corner in The Queen Anne Room as having the most amazing acoustics for playing the instrument.
The Jacobite Room with tables set up for a function.
Also within Edinburgh Castle is the flexible Jacobite Room. This room can accommodate 100 guests for a sit down dinner or 250 for a reception (pre-Covid-19). With superb floor to ceiling windows with unparalleled views across Edinburgh, it’s sure to wow your guests!
Book a venue now
Events of the future will need more rigorous planning, flexibility and attention to detail, but our superb events team are experts at navigating challenges and will be on-hand to ensure you receive nothing but royal treatment.
To find out more about booking your next event and information on the number of guests we can accommodate at our venues, contact our events team at functions@hes.scot
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