A Focus on Scotland Property and Heritage

The demand to live in a unique piece of history remains strong. Of the limited number of original castles remaining in Scotland, around 10 are sold each year. The mystery and intrigue of a Scottish castle continues to attract those who long to live the romantic dream. Let’s take a look at the current market and what needs to be considered when buying such a property before diving into one of Scotland’s most treasured traditions—Burns Night, which you know doubt will want to celebrate once you have your scottish property up and running .

• Blairlogie Castle £1.45 million (Under Offer) - The historic 16th-century Scottish property near Stirling shows great drama and grandeur while retaining the feel of a much-loved family home. Blairlogie Castle was originally the seat of the Spittals, a family of merchants who served the Scottish kings, and clearly they were successful since they were able to erect this 4,900 sq ft, six-bedroom castle.
•  Glenborrodale Castle £2.35 million (Under Offer) - Glenborrodale Castle dates from 1902 and is a five-storey Scots Baronial mansion built of red Dumfriesshire sandstone. On its south front the ground floor is high above ground level and opens onto a balustrade terrace. Curved flights of stairs descend to further garden terraces.
• Newton Castle £1.25 million - Newton Castle is one of Blairgowrie’s hidden treasures, having been in the ownership of the same family for seven generations. Dating from the mid-16th century, the Castle was built on the site of a castellated manor house, the remains of which are believed to form its foundations. This Z-plan tower house has characteristically thick walls, small windows and attractive crow stepped gables. Over four storeys, the Castle commands quite a presence, but the interior, whilst steeped in history, feels like home.
• Fa'side Castle £1.45 million - Fa’side Castle is important from an architectural point of view because it consists of two of the earliest examples of distinct styles of Scottish domestic architecture—a late 14th century tower to which is attached an early 16th century ‘L plan’ house. Fa’side Castle is one of the oldest surviving Scottish castles with 600 years of turbulent history within the Fawside family. ‘John of the Hill of Fawside’ was imprisoned in Scarborough Castle, England in 1307. A later John Fawside sat in the Parliament in 1467. George Fawside was accused of treason in 1528, and the castle was burned down the day before the Battle of Pinkie in 1547.
• Seton Castle £8 million - Last, but most certainly not least, the most expensive Scottish home, Seton Castle has again been brought to market. The restoration of a Robert Adam's castle is situated a few miles to the east of Edinburgh, having originally been built for one of the historic families of Scotland in 1789. Located near Longniddry, the four-storey mansion has 13 bedrooms and 13 acres of gardens and parkland. It was owned by the Wemyss family from 1796 until 2003 and was built on the site of Seton Palace, the historical seat of the Earls of Winton, where Mary Queen of Scots used to stay. According to Tatler, following the Fifth Earl’s fall from grace, the palace fell into 75 years of neglect and was eventually demolished in 1789 and replaced with Seton Castle. In 2007, it went on the market for the first time, selling for £5m and becoming Scotland’s most expensive private home. Then in 2019, it returned to the market.

Buying In Scotland

Although many high Street estate agents and online property portals now list castles for sale, its important to bear in mind that the most prestigious properties are typically sold off market, so another option is to use a specialist buying agent to get access to those not publicly listed for sale.

If you’re serious about buying a castle, however, there’s a few things you’ll need to take into consideration as covered in our previous article.

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The Heritage of Burns Night Scotland

Burns Night is celebrated annually on 25 January in honour of the poet Robert Burns. Known as the Bard of Ayrshire, Burns captured the essence of Scottish life, culture, and heritage through his poetry and songs. His works, including the world-famous Auld Lang Syne, continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.

The evening is an homage to his legacy, filled with traditional Scottish fare, music, and camaraderie. The celebration is centred around the Burns Supper, a gathering where haggis, neeps, and tatties are served alongside whisky, poetry recitations, and toasts. This unique cultural event offers a window into Scotland’s rich traditions and the enduring impact of its most famous poet. Burns Night Scotland brings people together to share in the history and hospitality of Scotland.

Preserving Tradition Through Scottish Cultural Events

Burns Night isn’t just a celebration of poetry. It’s a reflection of Scotland’s deep connection to its cultural roots. The event provides a platform for showcasing Scottish heritage through its distinctive cuisine and lively musical traditions. Burns Night highlights the richness of Scottish culture in an engaging and festive manner for both attendees and hosts.

There has recently been a growing interest in authentic experiences centred around Scotland’s history and traditions. High-value Scottish cultural events now include luxurious Burns Night celebrations held at historic venues. These events are hosted at grand castles and elegant country estates, and they often feature curated menus, live performances of Burns’ poetry, and traditional ceilidh dancing.

Symbolism of the Burns Supper

The Burns Supper is a ritualistic dining experience steeped in symbolism. The evening begins with the Selkirk Grace, a short, poignant prayer that sets the tone for the celebration. The highlight of the meal is the procession of the haggis, accompanied by the skirl of bagpipes and a reading of Burns’ Address to a Haggis.

Each element of the supper holds cultural significance. The haggis, Scotland’s national dish, represents the country’s agricultural traditions and resourcefulness. Accompanied by neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes), it serves as a symbol of Scotland’s culinary heritage. Whisky represents the country’s craftsmanship and global influence.

The Burns Supper is an opportunity for storytelling, poetry, and celebration. Toasts are given throughout the evening to honour Burns’ legacy and the shared experience of the attendees. It’s a lively, heartfelt occasion that reminds us of the enduring power of community and tradition.

Contemporary Celebrations and Global Appeal

The global popularity of Burns Night underscores the universal themes in Burns’ work. His exploration of love, friendship, and human connection resonates with people from all walks of life. Burns Night continues to grow and serve as a bridge between cultures. It is celebrated by Scottish descendants from North America to Australia.

Modern interpretations of this event makes it accessible to a wider audience by blending time-honoured customs with contemporary elements. In New York, exclusive Burns Night galas draw high-net-worth attendees with bespoke whisky pairings and performances by renowned artists. In London, luxury hotels and private clubs host glamorous dinners with a modern twist on the traditional Burns Supper.

A Timeless Scottish Tradition

Burns Night Scotland is a unique celebration of culture, community, and creativity. Experienced in traditional form or reimagined for modern audiences, the event remains a testament to Scotland’s enduring charm. Tamara Crowson, our Head of Scotland, added her own perspective, ‘attending a Burns Night supper is not to be missed. They are typically highly evocative but also great social occasions, with fine food and of course a dram of Scottish whiskey. Its definitely one of those traditions you need to try at least once in your life’.

For high-net-worth individuals and businesses seeking bespoke experiences, these celebrations capture the spirit of Scotland in unforgettable ways. Burns Night offers a perfect opportunity and historic estates make the perfect location to host or attend Scottish cultural events that combine cultural significance with luxury.

Enness Global is very lucky to have a presence north of the border. So if you are considering purchasing a castle in Scotland, or indeed any form of super prime property, please get in touch and speak to a broker to  discover how tailored solutions can transform your financial potential.