Historically described as a ‘magical place’, Duntreath Castle provides a truly stunning setting for a very personal wedding. Only half an hour from both Glasgow and Stirling, the magnificent gardens and lake have a real ‘wow’ factor and look down the valley towards Loch Lomond. A broad terrace leads directly into all the bridal rooms – a beautiful large sitting/kitchen room and an en suite bedroom – all exclusively for the use of the bridal party. Duntreath deliberately does not host a constant stream of weddings, making it a very special and exclusive venue – guests constantly remark on the amazing atmosphere.

Lady Edmonstone – Julie to all – has years of wedding experience and personally helps to organise each wedding. Her job is to describe and recommend the best caterers, florists, B&B’s, taxis – in fact everything connected to ensuring the seamless service of every aspect. She is always at the end of the telephone with advice and original suggestions and happy for anyone to visit anytime beforehand and feel free to spend time in the house and garden. The wedding licence means that the bride and groom can marry in a large glass-sided marquee (80-400 guests), the chapel, the gardens or the 15th century tower keep. Julie also keeps a supply of vases, candle holders, cigarette buckets and other small items for the bride to borrow.

Julie’s whole aim is to ensure that everyone feels ‘at home’ – be it children raiding the toy cupboards, youngsters using the bicycles and football net, nursing mothers and older guests sitting quietly, guests catching up on sporting scores or just wandering round the ornamental lake and gardens. Tactful advice is always there as to timing, seating plans and the best way to make sure everything is perfect. Julie treats every bride as an unofficial god-daughter and loves the unusual as much as the traditional.

Duntreath is situated on the A81 halfway between the villages of Strathblane and Killearn. There are extremely good B&B’s nearby, a good taxi/minibus company and plenty of hard standing for cars. Guests are welcome to leave cars overnight.