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Duns Castle is a rare
and exceptional 14th century tower house, still
intact but with extensive additions over the
centuries to provide a fine Gothic structure that
is at once imposing and beguiling. Since 1696, it
has been lived in by the Hay family and still
remains, after 3 centuries, their private home.
Duns Castle enjoys a
serenity and timelessness rare in the modern
world. The family now offer it as their home for
guests to share with them. Guests are made to feel
utterly at home, with quiet unobtrusive service
and the personal attention of the current
generation of the Hay family. There is a
tremendous warmth in the rich interior with
comfort and authenticity being the key words. The
food is simple, genuine, imaginative and Scottish,
and the staff willing and enthusiastic.
The castle, which was
built around a 14th century Pele tower given by
King Robert the Bruce to the Earl of Moray, was
bought for William Hay of Drummelzier by his
father the Earl of Tweedale in 1696. The Hay
family have lived there in unbroken succession
ever since.
The family have
considerably enlarged and embellished the building
into its final Gothic Revival form, designed and
completed by the celebrated architect James
Gillespie Graham between 1818 and 1822.
Duns Law on the estate
is the historic scene of the Scottish Covenantors
against King Charles 1 in 1639 under General
Leslie, who was quartered in the Castle.
Private
Stays Although not open to the public on an
open basis, the family offer the castle for guests
to share with them either for individual lunches,
dinners or for residential stays. The essence of
the arrangement is that those visiting are in
every aspect welcomed as guests in a private home
and looked after by professional and friendly
in-house staff. Large areas of the old part of the
house have been brought back to life with all the
advantages of modern plumbing, wiring and
computerised central heating.
Accommodation comprises 4 four-poster bedrooms, 3
double bedrooms, 2 twin bedrooms, 1 single
bedroom, 9 bathrooms (5 en-suite), 1 dining
room, 1 drawing room. There are also 6 cottages on
the estate for additional accommodation if
required.
Weddings and Parties
The castle is ideal as
a secluded exclusive venue for anything from one
couple to 60 people, or larger numbers if marquee
erected. Whether you decide to marry in the castle
itself, or in any of the three local churches, we
put you in touch with the local minister(s) for
the religious ceremony and the helpful registrar
who guides you through the legal paperwork (which
is very simple in Scotland). If you choose to
marry in the castle, you have a choice of the
cathedral-like gothic hall for small parties, or
the beautiful vaulted main reception room for
larger groups.
The
reception can take any form you wish - a good
Scottish tea, with your champagne/sparkling wine &
possibly the cake/speeches, followed later by
perhaps the piper/dancer entertainment and then a
sit-down dinner.
Corporate Events
Duns Castle is
suitable for a wide variety of corporate and
incentive events. It is a spacious and secluded
property with a wide variety of facilities. For large
functions, marquees can be sited on the lawn and
specialist caterers can be arranged. Leisure and
sporting activities can be arranged on request.
Filming
Duns Castle and the Estate afford a rare and
exceptional historic venue for those seeking an
unusual filming location. The castle is set in
lovely parkland and surrounded by beautiful
gardens, and offers amazing opportunities for long
views and floodlighting effects of impressive
house facade and gardens.
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