Shieldhill Castle Hotel

Scotland is definitely showing its colder side now, and today’s Big Deal from the magnificent Shieldhill Castle Hotel by Biggar offers a very comfortable base from which to cosy away from it all.

Available from now until the end of March 2019, this offer would be ideal for an autumn or winter break in the Borders.

Convenient location

Dating back to 1199, Shieldhill Castle is set in the beautiful upper Clyde Valley and is conveniently located less than an hour’s drive from Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Other guests come for the peace and quiet of the rural setting as well as atmospheric touches such as the suit of armour in the reception.

Guests here are in good company. Nelson Mandela liked it so much that he planted a tree here when he stayed for a Commonwealth Conference in Edinburgh.

Choice of rooms

Available seven days, the Big Deal is for two people to enjoy an overnight stay with a full Scottish breakfast, two course dinner and a bottle of Prosecco.

There are a choice of rooms available – a classic double in the castle, classic double or twin in the stable block, or classic double or twin in the log cabins, all subject to availability. Guests should note that only stable block and log cabins are pet friendly.

Individually styled rooms

Shieldhill’s individually styled rooms are split between the castle and rooms which have been converted from the Victorian stables in the courtyard – these and the log cabins are a short walk from the main castle. The latter are appointed with luxurious shower rooms or wet rooms.

Each of the rooms in the castle are named after a Scottish battle and each of the stable rooms are named after a Scottish whisky. All are ensuite and have their own charm. Depending on the room, you might enjoy a spa Jacuzzi bath, four post bed or views of the tree-studded parkland and Tinto Hills in the distance.

Local sourcing

Dinner is served in the Chancellors’ Restaurant. With intricate cornicing and huge windows looking over the castle grounds, it is a gorgeous setting for a spectacular meal.

The chefs like to use the best locally sourced fresh ingredients including carefully selected fish, meat, game and vegetables. The menus change regularly. However, typical starters might be the Scottish smoked salmon served with capers, brown bread and salad or the smoked duck breast with date pudding and carrot purée.

Popular main courses include pan-fried breast of chicken on black pudding risotto and the roasted vegetable open lasagne with Parmesan cream.

Lots of guest like to relax in the wood panelled splendour of the hotel’s Oak Room Lounge.

During the colder months, the log fire is pressed into action and the lounge is very cosy. At all times of year, the large windows provide stunning vistas of the Borders’ countryside. You may have to share the lounge with the resident cat.

Happy visitors

Many visitors to Shieldhill Castle Hotel have left glowing reviews on TripAdvisor. We have edited these recent reviews for length:

‘Lovely stay… check-in was easy and our room was lovely… tucked away through a small conference room. Room had everything we needed and was quite large, it had a nice view over the gardens. The evening meal was really good and then we had a drink in the bar. Breakfast was good also. Really enjoyed our stay and would like to go back sometime.’

‘Lovely atmosphere. My husband and I visited this hotel recently and were not disappointed. The staff were all very friendly, the food was very good, and the room was lovely. The hotel itself does feel like a castle and the grounds are lovely too…’

‘…there are parts in the main house that could do with a little freshening up but it’s an old country house. You shouldn’t come here expecting a chain hotel look! The lounge is truly cosy and comforting and the bar perfect for us to have the dog along. Our dinner and breakfast were delicious and the perfect amount… The staff in particular were a high point, very professional and made you feel at ease as soon as you arrive…’

Borders getaway

A gourmet getaway to Shieldhill Castle Hotel is a fantastic way to recharge the batteries.

This Big Deal would also be perfect for a romantic break and it would make a very welcome gift.