Email Forter Castle enquiries & reservations: bookscotland@madbookings.com
Other places to stay in and around
Blairgowrie
Surrounded
by Glenisla's stunning scenery, Forter Castle was originally built in
1560 and enjoys a history as rich as the countryside in which it sits.
Destroyed by the Duke of Argyll in 1640, it has been completely restored using traditional materials. Designer Katharine Pooley has transformed the interior into one of luxury and comfort.
Forter boasts all modern amenities and occupies five floors, each reached by a stone spiral staircase, which sleeps 12 people comfortably.
Forter Castle Accommodation
The castle sleeps twelve comfortably; there are three four poster beds,
one double and then two further rooms with the option of double or twins.
Each room has its own character and atmosphere and the new addition of
storage heaters means that your evenings will be both toasty and relaxing.
A magnificent hall which spans the entire width of the castle, furnished
with traditional Scottish furniture offering comfort and colour. An inlet
log fireplace dominates one side of the Great Hall, whilst mahogany shelving
displaying antique books borders the north side.
The dining area is offset offering a unique dining experience of luxury
and tradition seating up to 16. One of the main features is the elaborate-painted
ceiling, this along with the various painting and tapestries make a truly
traditional Scottish hall complemented with comfort, relaxing atmosphere
and history. The Great Hall has under floored heating.
A unique chapel for quieter moments of reflection. The chapel can also be used for weddings and other special ceremonies.
The kitchen is a fully-working modern kitchen, giving every-day facility
with out losing its authentic charming design. Not only can this kitchen
produce a simple two-some highland breakfast but can accommodate serving
a full wedding party. The latest top-of-the range stove, dish washer and
other mod-cons make this a cooks dream.
The separate Breakfast Room adjoining the kitchen is is fitted with full-size
refectory table with seating for ten.
This self contained glamorous bedroom sweeps across the entire
breadth of the castle. Fitted with traditional antique furnishings, this
is completed with a sumptuous four-poster bed with elaborate draping.
The room has its own freestanding bath and wash area, screened off from
the main room. The writing desk is positioned in one of the turrets for
those inspired and a library area on the opposite side with leather sofa
offers comfort for evenings with a good book and a glass of whisky.
This is a light and airy room fitted with an imposing four-poster bed
with a deep blue and gold draping, windows on all sides give off to the
surrounding scenic views, with grand antique furnishings including a semainier
this room is fit for gentry.
This regal room named after a queen, is a room of charm
and beauty, woven with romantic coloring shades of deep reds. There is
a small bureau in the turret and stunning artwork and antiques befit the
room's name.
Full of treasures, Julian's room includes an en suite shower room and
a bed that can be converted for use as either a double or twin. Its turret
window offers a stunning view of the glen, and the pictures adorning the
walls tell stories of adventure.
A special treat awaits at the top of the castle. Samantha's room has a
high ceiling, beautiful paintings and a stunning tapestry. The comfortable
leather armchair, antique furnishings and romantic lighting gives this
room the feeling of being the eagle's eyrie of the castle and has a bed
that can be converted for use as either a double or twin.
Relax and unwind after a hard day in this beautiful free standing bath
enjoying your favourite book whilst smelling the aroma of the fragrant
candles.
Roberts Room is the newest addition to the castle; it
can be found at the top of its own private staircase coming from the great
hall. The room receives light from the windows on all sides, it has stunning
views and a newly upholstered antique four-poster bed in rich fabrics.
Roberts room has a wonderfully tranquil feel that we hope you enjoy.
Your stay at Forter Castle is self-catering. We can however offer you
the services of our chef John Ramsay for any special occasion. Using only
the best local produce John can create a mouth-watering menu to meet your
personal culinary preferences.
Forter is the perfect location for the intimate highland wedding. The castle has its very own chapel for a unique day. We recommend sixteen as the perfect number of guests but can accommodate more. Each wedding is unique to the castle; we can help you arrange catering, Ceilidh bands, harpists, singers and bag pipers.
The Perthshire/Angus areas boast many various activities for
active people. Most popular activities include horseback riding
to facilitate viewing much of the magnificent wildlife. Alternatively,
this can also be accomplished by mountain-bike, or on foot.
The mountains offer both skiing and snowboarding during winter months,
while summer months offer alternative mountain-biking and hiking.
For those with a passion for water, rivers, lochs, and beaches offer numerous
aquatic activities.
For the purest of thrill-seekers, activities from paragliding to bungy
jumping can also be found within the area. Of course, Scotland being the
home of golf, we have reserved its very own section.
Surrounded by stunning scenery in beautiful Glenisla, Forter Castle was
originally a fortified tower, built in 1540 and owned by the Ogilvys,
and destroyed by the Duke of Argyll's men in 1650. Completely restored
to its present glory in 1990, it was rebuilt using traditional materials
and methods.
Scotland's countryside offers acres of open land, unspoiled tracks and
long sandy beaches. There is no better feeling in the world than mounting
up and heading off into Scotland's wide open spaces. There are dozens
of centres through Scotland offering trail riding, trekking holidays and
specialty rides. Disabled riders are catered for at many of the centres.
Things to do:
Horseback riding in Glen Isla:
Enjoy the local trails from horseback. Lessons also available. If has
been a while since last you rode, you can even book your ''pre-ride''
massage in advance at the Health Spa in the same facility
Brandy Burn House - Glen Clova:
Enjoy riding from the stables or walking, cycling, or climbing. After
it all you can enjoy a break at the cafe-bar.
Kirkmichael Riding:
Great horse riding in Scotland through the dramatic Balnakilly Estate
in Perthshire Hacks - Trekking - Pony Rides - Lessons - Qualified friendly
tuition. Kirkmichael Riding is now a BHS Approved Riding Centre teaching
Skiing & Snowboarding in Glenshee:
Scotland's countryside offers acres of open land, unspoiled tracks and
long sandy beaches. There is no better feeling in the world than mounting
up and heading off into Scotland's wide open spaces. There are dozens
of centres through Scotland offering trail riding, trekking holidays and
speciality rides. Disabled riders are catered for at many of the centres.
Horseback riding in Glen Isla:
Enjoy the local trails from horseback. Lessons also available. If has
been a while since last you rode, you can even book your ''pre-ride''
massage in advance at the Health Spa in the same facility
Brandy Burn House - Glen Clova:
Enjoy riding from the stables or walking, cycling, or climbing. After
it all you can enjoy a break at the cafe-bar.
Kirkmichael Riding:
Great horse riding in Scotland through the dramatic Balnakilly Estate
in Perthshire Hacks - Trekking - Pony Rides - Lessons - Qualified friendly
tuition. Kirkmichael Riding is now a BHS Approved Riding Centre teaching
up to BHS Stage II
Inside:
The castle has an extensive library of books for all ages. There is a
Television which plays DVD's only and we have around fifty classic old
movies for those cosey evenings. There is a great selection of board games
and a collection of one hundred classic music CD's to cater for all tastes.
Outside:
We also have four top-of-the range mountain bikes to take along the country
lanes, although we have to state very clearly that in Scotland it is illegal
to take bikes off road. There is also a croquet set for those summers
day and various ball games for fun in the grounds.
Scotland's Highland Games are renowned the world over as a unique event
combining skills, culture, music and real Scottish hospitality.
While the games still contain a very competitive, the spectacle of Highland
dancing and pipe bands combined with the tradition and excitement of the
occasion make the Games a real highlight for any visitor lucky enough
to be in Scotland at the right time.
What trip to Scotland would be complete without at least one visit to
one of the many local distilleries. With so much interest in the local
past-time, most distilleries are very well prepared to accommodate visitors.
Simple tours are the minimum, with many distilleries offering restaurants,
shops, and even museums.
Places to visit:
- Castles
Glamis Castle & Gardens Glamis:
This castle has been a royal residence since 1372. Still a residence to
the Strathmore family, it remains open to visitors.
Features:
-Park, Garden & Pinetum
-Restaurant, shops & Facilities
Blair Castle Blair Athol:
Standing since 1269, this castle has been home to the Atholl family for
more than 700 years.
Features:
-restaurant & café
-picnic area and children¹s playground
-abundant wildlife
-pony trekking and nature trails
-18th century walled garden
-piper playing daily
Scone Palace Perth:
The Awarded the Sandford Education Award in 2001 in recognition for their
efforts of the interpretation of local and national heritage for children.
Certainly a must see for the whole family.
Stirling Castle & Argyll¹s Lodging Stirling:
Stirling castle was the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots. Argyll¹s
lodging may be one Scotland¹s best surviving example of a 17th century
town residence.
Balmoral Castle - Balmoral:
Travel North on the A93 and you will find the one Scotland¹s treasured
castles, the current royal residence of Balmoral.
Features:
-guided tours
-souvenirs & gifts
-gardens
-exhibitions
-restaurant & café
Braemar Castle Braemar:
Built in 1628 by the Earl of Mar, this castle is open from Easter to the
end of October.
Features:
-guided tours
-souvenirs & gifts
Drummond Castle Gardens Crieff:
Originally laid out in the early 17th century by John Drummond, walk through
the gardens restored by Phyllis Astor in the early 1950¹s.
Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh:
Scotland¹s best known and most visited of all historic buildings.
Records on this site date as far back as 600A D. This has been the royal
residence of Scotland¹s Kings and Queens.
Linlithgow Palace Linlithgow, (Greater Edinburgh area):
These ruins stand as a reminder of how great the property must have been
in its heyday.
Melrose Abbey Melrose, (Scottish Borders, South of Edinburgh):
Originally founded in 1136, this ruin may arguably be the finest of Scotland¹s
four great Border Abbeys.
Caerlaverock Castle Dumfries, (Southernmost Scotland):
A popular target of England for many years due to its close proximity
to England, this twin towered castle with moatis an impressive landmark
in the Nithsdale countryside.
Dirleton Castle & Garden Dirleton Village (Edinburgh area):
The romantic 13th century ruins are best known for its beautiful gardens.
Glasgow Cathedral Glasgow:
Ok, not a castle but still one of medieval Scotland¹s most magnificent
buildings. Built during the 13th 15th centuries, this is one of the few
buildings to have survived the 1560 Reformation virtually complete.
Royal Yacht Britannia Edinburgh:
Ok, did it again. But where else would one place what may be one of the
most regal ships in the world? The Royal Yacht Britannia served the Royal
Family for more than forty years and has since been decommissioned to
the Port of Leith in Edinburgh.
Arts:
The Crieff Visitor Centre Crieff:
Under one roof you can view and experience the making of traditional whisky
flagons, table ware and collectable glass paperweights.
Features:
-180 seater licensed restaurant
-factory shop
-continuous video display
-garden centre
-children¹s play area
Caithness Glass Perth & Wick:
Experience the art of handcrafted glass at this world famous facility
Features:
-factory shops
-restaurant
-free parking
Other:
Perth Racecourse Perth:
Enjoy a day at the races, as has been enjoyed by countless others since
1908.
Edinburgh Zoo Edinburgh:
Bring the family to visit more than 1,000 animals from around the world.
Get close and personal to a wide variety of small creatures, enjoy the
hilltop safari, and learn many interesting fact from their knowledgeable
Zoo-Keepers.
Features:
-tours
-restaurants
-giftshop
Scottish Antique & Arts Centre Abernyte, Perthshire:
Shop amongst 30 dealers in a garden-room setting.
Glenfernate Fresh Meat Blairgowrie:
No tourist attraction, this is where to order the food for the barbeque,
or whatever other game you had on mind for the menu!
The Perthshire/Angus areas boast many various activities for active people. Most popular activities include horseback riding to facilitate viewing much of the magnificent wildlife. Alternatively, this can also be accomplished by mountain-bike, or on foot.
Skiing& Snowboarding in Glenshee:
Take a lesson or just head straight for the slopes. Rental equipment available.
For more serious thrill-seekers, this resort offers year-round mountain
activities. Summer Activities Mountain Biking, Downhill Track, Paragliding
and climbing. Winter Activities Ski & Snowboarding.
The Perthshire/Angus area boasts some excellent river and loch
fishing. Please keep in mind fishing in Scotland requires a license,
which can be obtained at the respective locations below.
The home of golf. Once banned by royalty as a source
of evil, the love of the game proved too tempting resulting in the relaxation
of the ban. Scotland is definitely the ‘mecca’ for golf enthusiasts.
Choose from any one of the famous greens listed and check contact details
for further details on arranging you outing.
We are lucky enough to be near a number of estates able to organise seasonal
blood sports including pheasant hunting, deer hunting, rough hunting,
wildfowl hunting and stalking.
The laws and traditions surrounding hunting are complex. Most animals
which are shot or hunted need a time of year when they are left alone,
in order to keep numbers up. A system of seasons has evolved whereby certain
animals cannot be hunted or shot at certain times of the year. For obvious
reasons this can vary from species to species and from place to place.
Seaplane Flying:
Come and enjoy the exhilaration of seaplane flying at Loch Earn, a two
hour drive from Forter. Find yourself surrounded by spectacular and beautiful
scenery - mountains, lochs, rivers, forests, crystal clear air and peace
and tranquility.
Marilynn Macdonald:
With all of the activities present in the area, you will surely be in
need of some personal time. What better a way to spend the day than being
pampered at the local health & beauty spa.
Glenmarkie Health Spa & Beauty Care - Glenisla:
Why not treat yourself. From massage, to cellulite treatments, to nails,
this spa can help you unwind after some active sight-seeing, and prepare
you for your night out.
Whilst there are many adventures to be had outside the gates of Forter we have come up with some entertainment for both inside and out.
Email Forter Castle enquiries & reservations: bookscotland@madbookings.com
