Skibo Castle
The Celebrity Favourite
Skibo Castle is located to the west of Dornoch, Sutherland in the Scottish Highlands overlooking the Dornoch Firth. Although the castle dates back to the 12th century, the present structure is largely of the 19th century, and early 20th century, when it was the home of industrialist Andrew Carnegie. It is now operated as the Carnegie Club, a members-only hotel and country club.
Skibo Castle is the choice of many celebrities, hosting Madonna's wedding to Guy Ritchie on 22 December, 2000, as well as Ashley Judd’s wedding in December 2001. Recent guests have also included Angelina Jolie.
Set amid 7,500 acres of forested estate and well hidden from public view it deserves its reputation as one of the most exclusive hotels in the world and as a perfect place to get married. But, it is also one of the most welcoming. For non-club members, the rules state that you may only ever visit once!!
The castle has elaborate reception rooms with Edwardian paneling and ancient fireplaces to greet you. The luxurious bedrooms with their huge claw-foot baths are available in the main castle and lodges. Many quaint customs have continued from Carnegie's times. At 8am, a kilted piper plays on the terrace to awaken the guests. They are serenaded forty-five minutes later over breakfast by an organist playing in the main hall. He sometimes has an owl with him and a full-time adult storyteller is at hand. A pleasant but slightly eccentric doorman opens doors which have some unusually low door handles, specially made for the diminutive Carnegie.
An extremely relaxing and peaceful venue, it also caters for the more active. There is a spa and magnificient swimming pool built entirely of marble and housed in an elongated conservatory. There's also an 18-hole links golf course, salmon and trout fishing, hunting, falconry, clay-pigeon shooting, tennis, badminton, walking, rowing, canoeing, bird-watching, horse riding, off-road driving, snooker, archery, croquet, target shooting and mountain biking.
This is not only the perfect Scottish wedding venue, but somewhere to stay and enjoy for your honeymoon .
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