Lynne Truss the star at PEEL’s cultural castle celebration

The cycle of literary, artistic and culinary luxury extravaganzas for an exclusive circle of guests

will commence on 20^th-22^nd August, when just 24 guests will be treated to an intimate weekend of literary and artistic entertainment at the luxuriously restored and atmospheric Aldourie Castle.

 

The castle, set in a stunning 500-acre estate of woodlands and gardens, boasts a diverse and rich history. It witnessed the passing of the troops of the famous British Military Commander General Wade, and was a meeting place for the Lovat Scouts, a Scottish Highland yeomanry regiment of the British Army formed during the Second Boer War. Its breathtaking setting on the southern shores of Loch Ness, close to Inverness, made it a very popular destination for aristocrats, artists and industrialists during its Victorian heyday.

 

A classic example of Scottish Baronial architecture, the castle has been authentically restored to the highest standards of opulence. As a provider of intelligent entertainment packages for the leisure industry, PEEL was keen to celebrate Aldourie’s extraordinary heritage by launching the unique Aldourie Castle Cultural Series. PEEL’s managing director Susannah Daley explained:

 

“Aldourie’s role in British art and literature is a fascinating one. Mary Seton Watts, whose family - the Fraser Tytlers - owned Aldourie in the 19^th century, was an artist and ceramicist in her own right. She married the famous English artist GF Watts, and her designs were the inspiration behind Liberty & Co’s Celtic style in the early 20^th Century.

 

“The castle is steeped in a literary background with connections to many other Victorian writers and artists. We wanted guests to savour its extraordinary legacy in the company of some of the country’s top experts and in the magnificent setting of the castle itself.”

 

Lynne Truss, a diverse and prolific writer who has also authored two books on Alfred Lord Tennyson, will treat guests to readings as well as a conversational audience and question and answer session.

 

The exclusive weekend will also feature a tour of Aldourie Castle’s private collection of paintings with celebrated art expert and curator Veronica Franklin Gould.

 

Guests can try out first hand some of Mary Seton Watts’ ceramics techniques with a clay modelling workshop which explores the artist’s style and designs.

 

Add to that an exclusive private visit to the nearby 14^th century Cawdor Castle which is linked with Shakespeare’s Macbeth, gourmet meals prepared by Aldourie Castle’s award-winning chef and a range of countryside activities available, and the weekend is forecast to be the ultimate Highland break for the literary and artistic cognoscenti.

 

There are only 12 double (or twin) rooms available and fully inclusive costs for the weekend start at £1,650 per person. As an exclusive private weekend house party, all meals, drinks, entertainment and transfer transport are included. Enquiries should be directed to events co-ordinator Paul Fisher on 01756 796176; events@aldourie.co.uk; www.aldouriecastle.co.uk