A Borders day to remember

Enchanting Thirlestane Castle provides the perfect setting for a testing day facing Scotland’s iconic grouse

- SIR JOHNNY SCOTT

Twenty-seven miles southeast of Edinburgh lies the attractive Borders town of Lauder and, below it, situated in glorious parkland beside the River Leader, is the huge and magnificent Thirlestane Castle. One of the great historic houses of Scotland, Thirlestane is arguably the most impressive with its pink sandstone walls, dramatic balustraded grand entrance leading to the first floor, profusion of turrets and spires, dominated by a massive central tower and distinctive curved ‘ogee’ roof. Home to the Maitland family since 1590, it was inherited by Captain The Hon Gerald (Bunny) Maitland-Carew in 1971. After 40 years of devoted stewardship by him and his wife, Rosalind, during which the larger part of the castle and contents were made over to a charitable trust set up for its preservation, Thirlestane was passed to his eldest son, Edward, who became resident trustee in 2012.

No sooner had Edward and his wife, Sarah, moved in than a devastating outbreak of dry rot was discovered and the castle was forced to close to the public whilst extensive renovations were carried out. Although extremely unwelcome, this calamity gave Edward and his fellow trustees the opportunity to consider how best to build on the existing visitor attraction and events venue established by his parents, and create increased business to make Thirlestane financially viable for future generations. The trustees decided to diversify by developing five-star accommodation in the South Wing of the castle, in what had been the old nursery, the private apartments of the 14th Earl and Countess of Lauderdale, offices, staff quarters, sculleries, laundry and kitchens.