latest news
Balbirnie hosts Sixth Sense fashion show
Balbirnie hosts Sixth Sense fashion show in aid of Royal National Lifeboat Association on Tuesday 23 March.
3 course lunch and fashion show-£30.00. Call 01592 633040 for tickets.
Congratulations
The Balbirnie Brigade would like to offer our sincerest congratulations to Claire & Michael Strachan, married here at Balbirnie House on Saturday 13th March 2010. Photographs by Stuart Craig Photography (www.stuartcraig.com)
17th March. Porsche at Balbirnie.
17th March. Porsche at Balbirnie. The warmest of welcomes today to Scotland’s Edinburgh and Glasgow Porsche dealerships.
"MAGICAL NIGHT". Balbirnie features in The Best Scottish Weddings Magazine.
Spring 2010 Edition.
‘STARRY NIGHT. Forget dancing on the ceiling, why not trying your first dance as a newlywed on the night sky?
Balbirnie House Hotel in Fife has installed a black polished floor set with over 2,000 sparkling and twinkling LED lights in its Millennium Ballroom.
The first of its kind in Scotland, the floor is sure to make a magical night even more memorable...
Balbirnie House Hotel... a multi-award winning venue with a fine reputation. Situated in Markinch village in Fife, this Grade A-listed Georgian mansion was awarded ‘2009 Wedding Hotel of the Year’ (Large Event Category) at the Scottish Hotel of the Year Awards. For large weddings choose from the sophisticated Long Gallery, the gorgeous Orangery, or the Millennium Ballroom which overlooks new gardens. Smaller parties can enjoy several more intimate rooms with real character. For the wedding party, Balbirnie has sumptuous four-poster suites and 30 individually designed bedrooms’.
Coming soon. Kitchen vacancies.
Kitchen vacancies. Opportunities coming soon for the roles of Pastry Chef, Orangery Chef de Partie, and part time Bistro Chef.
If interested in either role please contact Executive Chef Mark Lindsey, E: mark@balbirnie.co.uk
Scotland’s Leading Golf Resort. Balbirnie House is nominated in The World Travel Awards.
Hailed by the Wall Street Journal as the "Travel industry's equivalent to the Oscar's", the World Travel Awards are the most comprehensive and most prestigious awards programme in the global travel industry. Balbirnie House has been nominated in the category of Scotland’s Leading Golf Resort, alongside a shortlist of Fairmont St. Andrews, Marriot Dalmahoy, The Old Course Resort and Spa, Gleneagles, and Turnberry. The Balbirnie House nomination has arisen via recommendations made by travel, tourism & hospitality industry professionals.
Balbirnie Director Rosemary Spenke says - ‘We are absolutely delighted to be nominated for such a prestigious award, alongside such wonderful properties. With The Open being held this year just up the road at St. Andrews, golf is very much on this summer’s agenda for tourism in Fife, and visitors to the area are blessed as always with a stunning array of golf courses’.
For all group golf enquiries E: hannah@balbirnie.co.uk
Congratulations Mr and Mrs Wilkie.
10th March. Congratulations to Balbirnie’s Operations Manager Phyllis, and husband Kenneth Wilkie, who were married here at Balbirnie House, and are today celebrating their 10th Wedding Anniversary.
Valentine's Wedding at Balbirnie.
Congratulations to Alyson & Duncan who were married at Balbirnie House on Saturday 13th February 2010. Photography by Martin Pettinger Photography (www.martinpettinger.co.uk)
The Great Lawn Company at Balbirnie.
The Great Lawn Company company training at Balbirnie. A UK first. Natural lawn treatments arrive in Scotland.
Following on from the news of a few months ago, over the last few days training has taken place at Balbirnie House, with services about to be rolled out across Scotland.
Andrew Turnbull, MD of The Great Lawn Company says ‘Balbirnie provided a simply wonderful backdrop for this occasion, our special thanks to Tracy Robertson, who looked after us with absolute charm’.
For anyone throughout central Scotland with a lawn which could benefit from natural treatment following the ravages of winter, visit The Great Lawn company at www.greatlawncompany.com
- To download a flyer from the Great Lawn Company, which provides a specific overview of services please click here
Balbirnie Highland Retreat/ latest guestbook comments
With the best skiing season in The Cairngorms for many years, and with snow forecasted to remain through April, why head to Aspen as opposed to Aviemore?
Osprey is currently in winter wonderland, with the bulldozers called in to clear the driveway again today!!!
We have some remaining Spring availability, so dust down the snow boards and call booking agents Ian Cameron and Stevie Carmichael, on 01479 812266.
- Click here to download latest guest comments.
Many thanks to all guests. E: gaynor@balbirnie.co.uk
25 February.
A letter from The Scottish Parliament.
A letter from The Scottish Parliament. It is certainly not every day that we are in receipt of a letter from The Scottish Parlaiment.
Our sincere thanks to Tricia Marwick, MSP for central Fife, who has taken the time to write to us, click here for copy.
It is lovely to know that the efforts of the team at Balbirnie House are recognised in such a way.
80 Specimen trees/ added.
We are very much looking forward to springtime, and seeing the first leaves on the 80 beautiful new specimen trees which have been recently added to our grounds around the house.
On an environmental note, very late in 2009 we added a shred-it recycling program, which per the certification has resulted in the saving already of 2 trees. Click here for more
The first snowdrops are already here. We are now weeks away from the burst-into-bloom of one of Scotland’s largest collections of rhododendrons, for info on Spring breaks please do email me direct.
Balbirnie in The Glenrothes Gazette
‘£20k dance. A Markinch hotel has kick started its 20th anniversary by investing in a state-of-the-art dance floor. Balbirnie House officially opened its doors as a hotel in 1990 and 2010 begins a new chapter in its history. The £20,000 dancefloor investment in the hotel’s Millennium Ballroom comes after Balbirnie bucked the national trend, posting record levels of profitability. The handmade floor features 2,000 white sparkling LED lights. Managing Director Nicholas Russell said: ‘Over the last two years, and in amongst some of the toughest trading times ever seen in the UK hotel sector, we have defied the recession, increasing turnover 10%’.
The Scottish Hotel Awards 2010. Balbirnie on shortlist for various award categories.
Balbirnie is on shortlist for the following industry awards-
WEBSITE OF THE YEAR 2010
BUSINESS PERFORMANCE AWARD 2010
FINE DINING RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 2010 (ORANGERY)
EVENTS AND FUNCTIONS AWARD 2010
BUSINESS MEETINGS AWARD 2010
To visit the live update page click here
Should you wish to nominate, vote and support Balbirnie then that would be much appreciated.
RITA RETIRES!
Head Housekeeper Rita Dick has retired from Balbirnie House. Rita was the only member of staff remaining from the day Balbirnie opened as a hotel 20 years ago. Rita, our thanks as always, many special memories over many years, and we wish you all the very best in your retirement.
- Click here to read local newspaper article all about Rita!
The Orangery/ First menu of 2010.
Having enjoyed a couple of weeks skiing in Bulgaria we are well rested, and following the Orangery’s annual break we are ready to re-open today, Friday 22nd January.
‘Fabulous affordability’ is what we have on the Orangery menu this year.
For Balbirnie’s 20th Birthday celebrations in 2010 we are going to be featuring many of the dishes which, over the years, have helped establish The Orangery as one of Fife’s loveliest destinations in which to come and visit for a celebratory meal. We will certainly be featuring a few classics, some of our best favourites, and albeit with a wee update here and there.
As always, please do let us know if you are celebrating a special occasion. E: kylie@balbirnie.co.uk
- To view the new menus please click here
2010 MARKINCH BURNS SUPPER/ record attendance.
Congratulations to the organisers of the 2010 Markinch Burns Supper, which is taking place at Balbirnie House on Friday 22nd January.
This annual event is one which we always very much look forward to, and this year (according to our records) we have a record attendance of 193 guests.
A fitting occasion to christen our new Ballroom carpet, which has just been laid in the last couple of days, and Her Majesty The Queen’s carpet designer is delighted with the results.
This year’s menu for The Burns Supper-
TRIO OF SALMON
Glen Moray, Balbirnie ‘Bradan Rost’ and dill marinated salmon
with herb salad and sweet mustard dressing
-oOo-
GATEAU OF HAGGIS, NEEPS AND TATTIES
Whisky and oatmeal cream
-oOo-
ROAST SIRLOIN OF SCOTCH BEEF
Button onions, Woodland mushrooms, red wine jus
A selection of seasonal vegetables and potatoes
-oOo-
HEATHER HONEY AND GLAYVA PARFAIT
Poached pears, vanilla syrup
-oOo-
COFFEE WITH MINTS AND TABLET
We wish all guests a most enjoyable evening.
Ballroom Banqueting Dept. E: tracy@balbirnie.co.uk
Balbirnie features in The Sunday Herald Business Section.
THE SUNDAY HERALD/ BUSINESS SECTION/ 17 January 2010
BUSINESS IN BRIEF
‘One of Scotland’s top hotels, Balbirnie House in Fife, has marked its 20th anniversary by investing £20,000 in a state-of-the-art dance floor. The investment comes after the privately owned hotel at Markinch posted record profits. Managing Director Nicholas Russell said: ‘Over the last 2 years, and in among some of the toughest trading times ever seen in the UK hotel sector, we have defied the recession, increasing turnover by 10% and tripling profitablity’.
The Spirit of 2010.
Grant Ross from Balbirnie’s banquet department with a spur-of-the-moment pose in The Millennium Ballroom.
Photo supplied courtesy of Tony Marsh. www.tonymarshphotography.com
Weddings 2011/ Balbirnie’s Deals of the Decade.
Such has been the success of forward bookings for 2010 Deals of the Decade, which we introduced last year, that we have decided to carry these options ahead into 2011, and to also enhance the offering further. In particular, for January and February 2011 we have some remaining dates for which we are able to offer really quite extraordinary value. Whatever your number of guests, and whatever the scope of your special day, we will be delighted to make suggestions.
If you would like to come and visit Balbirnie for a wedding showround, E: gaynor@balbirnie.co.uk
End of the recession? Time to get back to business? BskyB at Balbirnie/ VisitScotland case study.
End of the recession? Time to get back to business?
If your company is looking to invest in a corporate event, then we will of course be delighted to quote.
The Balbirnie Business Centre is available for business!
If you would like to read about how our Events Department works with corporate clients, click here to find out the perspective of the strategic development team from BskyB, who held a company event for 30 senior managers at Balbirnie a few weeks ago.
The 20th Birthday/ ANNUAL STAFF PARTY
As always we have our staff Christmas Party early in the New Year. The theme this year was winter wonderland, and we certainly got the weather for it.
‘Anti-freeze’ cocktails preceded a lovely meal, of chicken liver and goose parfait with raisin chutney, pave of beef with sauce bourguignon, and Assiette 3663 for dessert.
Thanks to one and all involved in creating a very memorable night, the Catalyst lighting technicians for making the Ballroom look simply stunning, Caspars for the Star Wars backing tracks, and the superb Absolute, whose fantastic services are now being promoted as one of Balbirnie’s in-house bands.
Our 2010 staff party will certainly go down as one of the most special staff occasions in Balbirnie’s history.
Congratulations to Employee of The Year Dougie Docherty, and all finalists, Erdal Ozer, Arturs Silvos and Monica Shrestha.
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| Serving weddings in 2010! | |
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| Hotel secretary Anne (left), and Front Office Supervisor Michele | Rita Dick, soon-to-retire Head Housekeeper, with husband James |
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| Gaynor Russell and Bistro chef Laurie MacMillan | Housekeeper Joyce and Head Gardener Stevie |
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| Balbirnie's Personality of the Year Lione, with KP Hamish | Employee of the Year Dougie with wife (Asst Head Housekeeper) Izzy |
Our thanks to Rob Thomson of Lifetime Photography www.lifetimephotography.co.uk
Best wishes for 2010
Operations Director E: phyllis@balbirnie.co.uk
Our thanks to Calinet.
Our thanks to Calinet. With 2010 now underway we’d like to say a very special thanks to Balbirnie’s web hosting company, Calinet. (www.calinet.co.uk)
With a highly valued history between Calinet and Balbirnie stretching back many years, the Balbirnie web site was re-developed and re-established by Calinet some 3 years ago, and originated then as a case study, which has evolved over the course of time into one of the busiest sites in the UK, for a hotel of our size.
‘Balbirnie’s website visitor figures are greater than some of the top London hotels and 5 star hotels that have over 400 bedrooms. This is pretty incredible…’
Jenny Arnold, Posh Agency Ltd, Professional Online Services for Hotels
We are hugely appreciative of the work that goes into maintaining and updating the site, and this will continue through 2010 as we celebrate our 20th year as a hotel.
We would especially like to thank Ali Penman of Calinet, who is our daily contact. Cheers Ali.
Osprey Lodge first year 100% occupancy.
Osprey Lodge first year 100% occupancy. Since opening last February in The Cairngorms National Park, the Balbirnie Highland Retreat aka Osprey Lodge has run at full occupancy.
During the course of the year Osprey Lodge has in the main been occupied by clients booking via rental agent, Aviemore-based Great North Lodges, and we have also been visited by numerous travel publications.
It has certainly been an interesting first year at Osprey Lodge, the property has received rather more focus than we envisaged at outset, and we will continue to refine the offering as we go.
In the beginning, recognising the uniqueness of the house design, and its lovely idyllic location at the foot of The Cairngorms, we set out with the aim of creating one of Scotland’s most special holiday properties for up to 8 guests, a place in which many memories will be created for many people, and many special times had, and we are very appreciative from guest feedback that this has clearly been the case in the first year. As regards unexpected guests, a family of badgers has also taken up residence, and appear in the gardens most evenings. (Photos to follow.)
Our thanks to all clients who have visited thus far, and on behalf of one and all our thanks to Stevie Carmichael and Ian Cameron at Great North Lodges. www.greatnorthlodges.co.uk
Gaynor Russell E: gaynor@balbirnie.co.uk
Balbirnie 2009 Festive Guestbook
The 2009/ 10 festive season has been a tremendous few weeks for Balbirnie House, and we would like to thank the many guests who visited the hotel.
5 tons of logs used. 5,000 bottles of House Wines and Champagnes. More mince pies than you can shake a stick at, and of course a fair few roast turkeys....
A special thanks as well to Graeme Craig and all at Catalyst Event Production Services (www.catalyst-eps.com), we have had so many lovely comments about the festive lights from arriving guests each evening, many suggesting we should perhaps make this an annual happening!??!
Here are a selection of a few of the guest comments received over the last few weeks. Our sincere thanks and appreciation to one and all.
BALBIRNIE 2009 FESTIVE GUESTBOOK COMMENTS
Draxinger Party, from Germany – ‘Nice facility and perfect personnel’
C. Simpson, from Nairn, Highlands – ‘Fantastic Stay, we’ll be back’
Kristie & Daniel Warren, from Edinburgh – ‘Lovely stay, fantastic food & service. Thank you’
Jo McTavish, from Edinburgh – ‘A most wonderful evening & Super cosy room’
Mr & Mrs Greive, from Perth – ‘Great place & Super wedding party!’
Steven Robinson, Fife Fire and Rescue - ‘What a night we had at the Balbirnie, it was the last one as a shift but the best one we have ever had. The extra touches you put on made all the difference and the champagne came as a complete surprise and I must thank you for that as it made the night special for all. The rooms were all amazing and your staff were outstanding with a special mention to the kitchen staff who put on a fabulous dinner and of course the member of staff who greeted us and escorted us to our room was a joy, so please pass on our praise for all their efforts’.
Susie Garforth - ‘Thank you so much for helping to make the 12th December the most perfect day! All our guests have been telling us that it's one of the best weddings they have been to’.
Mr & Mrs Smith, From London – ‘We had the most fabulous, snowy winter wedding here at Balbirnie on Saturday 19th December. All of our wedding guests had a brilliant stay at Balbirnie and all thought it was a wonderful place. All the staff have been incredible – really friendly, helpful and flexible. Thank you to everyone for everything and of course we will be back in 2010 a very merry Christmas to you all! Jo & Matt xxx
Rodger & Dot Peck, From France – ‘Wonderful wedding – wonderful stay! Many Many thanks to all the staff for making everything so enjoyable. Wishing you a very happy Christmas and 2010!’
Peter & Maureen, from Buckie – ‘Wonderful wedding, great food thank you to all involved in the organising’
Markinch Crew, from Markinch Village (Christmas party night) – ‘Lovely meal, good service J’
Grant & Gary – ‘Thanks for everything, everything Fantastic’
Mr & Mrs Goodson – ‘Lovely Christmas break most helpful staff’
Claire & Simon – ‘The atmosphere, helpfulness and warmth is fantastic. The food is outstanding, well done to everyone for an amazing experience’
Fran & Abul – ‘Thank you for making this building feel like a warm and welcoming home, we have completely relaxed’
Mr and Mrs Morris, Perthshire, (Christmas stay)- ‘The Orangery was superb! Service 2nd to none. Christmas lunch was superb. We are more than happy’.
Mr Perth, Linlithgow- ‘It is fantastic and the service is VERY professional, the staff are impeccable... the service is truly wonderful’.
Gordy & Katy Dachtler-Bone, from Aylesburgh – ‘Absolutely wonderful wedding. The staff the venue and the location were all amazing, we’ll remember it forever! Thank you!!!’
Carol & Iain – ‘A wonderful evening here with a lovely sister and brother in-law and the staff were absolutely superb!’
Mr & Mrs David Lindsay – ‘First class, worth every penny, Tops!’
O Coston - ‘First class as usual’
Mr & Mrs McTaggart, from Glasgow – ‘We had the most amazing wedding here at Balbirnie yesterday the staff have been first class & we look forward to coming back soon x’
Mrs Taylor, Kirkcaldy - ‘... lunch in The Orangery, I feel I must write to you to say how absolutely superb the experience was’.
Craig Simpson, Nairn - ‘very relaxed stay, excellent food, fantastic service... we had our wedding here 15 years ago... everything was fantastic’.
Jane Proctor, Cleveland (New Year stay)- ‘One of the best hotels I have stayed in. Excellent’.
All the best for 2010.
‘PERIOD DRAMA!’ Boxing Day 2009. ‘Want to get married here then plan ahead!’ Balbirnie features in The Scotsman.
- For an edited version of the article click here to download
Christmas Day 2009
Santa by the Long Gallery Tree.
Dr Wolf Blass. Worldwide wine legend in residence at Balbirnie over Christmas.
We have been very honoured indeed to have Dr Wolf Blass and family staying at Balbirnie House over Christmas.
Dr Blass is the Executive Chairman of the Wolf Blass Group of Companies, total Wolf Blass branded products approaching 65 million bottles in 2009, exporting to 60 countries, plus shipping lines and airlines.
Wolf Blass quote of the Christmas stay, to Operations Manager Phyllis Wilkie- ‘Phyllis, if you were in the army you’d be a General’.
GUESTBOOK-
‘Thank you for a most memorable Christmas experience, great hospitality topped off by lots of snow’. Dr Wolf Blass. X
Wedding wonderland. 19 December.
Jo Peck and Matt Smith. Here are a couple of snaps of one of the weddings taking place at Balbirnie House this festive season.
Photographs sent to us courtesy of www.tonymarshphotography.com
GUESTBOOK-
‘We had the most fabulous, snowy, winter wedding here at Balbirnie on 19th December. All of our wedding guests had a brilliant stay at Balbirnie and all thought it was a wonderful place. All the staff have been incredible, really friendly, helpful and flexible. Thank you to everyone for everything, and of course we will be back in 2010. A very merry Christmas to all’. Jo and Matt, the newlyweds Mr and Mrs Smith. xxxxx
House this for Luxury! Balbirnie features in The Sun.
House this for Luxury! Balbirnie features in The Sun.
- Click here to download Dec 19th article.
Photo/ Blaster at dusk.
Photo courtesy of www.lifetimephotography.co.uk
Festive Light Blaster/ another photo.
This time taken during the weekend’s snowfall.
www.richardnewtonphotography.com
New dance floor has arrived.
New dance floor has arrived.
Photograph by www.lifetimephotography.co.uk
In use in The Millennium Ballroom for the first time at last night’s Christmas Party.
As it happened, and purely by chance, in amongst the assembled party guests were Rosemary and Wolfgang, who were the first couple ever to have their wedding in The Ballroom, back in 1999.
Much to their surprise, and on the spur of the moment, Rosemary and Wolfgang were invited last night to christen the dance floor in front of the 150 guests.
This was done is the style of John Travolta and Uma Thurman in the famous scene from Pulp Fiction, the tune being Chuck Berry’s You Never Can Tell.
"C'est la vie," say the old folks, "It goes to show you never can tell". This tune now comes very strongly recommended as a first dance for a wedding in 2010.
BALBIRNIE’S 20TH BIRTHDAY, THE CELEBRATIONS COMMENCE.
Balbirnie opened as a hotel late in 1989. The official opening itself was on 19th February 1990, with the ribbon being cut by Sir Malcolm Rifkind MP, in his capacity back then as Secretary of State for Scotland.
Over the next 12 months we will be having a multitude of celebrations to commemorate Balbirnie’s 20th Birthday.
These kick off with availability for overnight stays during certain remaining dates in January and February, during which we will be re-offering our most successful break in history, Balbirnie’s Champagne Pampered Stay. Afternoon tea on arrival, a bottle of chilled Lenoble Champagne, overnight accommodation for 2 with dinner, bed and full breakfast, Buck’s Fizz in the morning, and a complimentary newspaper. Celebratory price from £100 per person per night. Gift vouchers available.
This celebratory stay is available only on the following dates:
January 2010
Friday 8th (Dinner in The Balbirnie Bistro)
Sunday 10th (Dinner in The Balbirnie Bistro)
Saturday 16th(Dinner in The Balbirnie Bistro)
Sunday 17th (Dinner in The Balbirnie Bistro)
Friday 29th (Dinner in The Orangery)
February 2010
Friday 19th (Dinner in The Orangery)
Sunday 21st (Dinner in The Orangery)
March 2010
Sunday 7th (Dinner in The Orangery)
Friday 12th (Dinner in The Orangery)
Sunday 14th (Dinner in The Orangery)
To reserve a Champagne Pampered Stay please email me direct/ Front Office Manager kelly@balbirnie.co.uk / Tel 01592 610066
Festive Light Blaster/ photo
Many thanks to Kirkcaldy-based photographer Richard Newton, who has very kindly sent us the above photograph, taken last Friday night.
www.richardnewtonphotography.com
Lost and Found. Child's Elephant toy.
Every year we accumulate an interesting collection of lost property. This collection has been joined today (9th December) by a child's elephant toy, which was found on Balbirnie's main driveway.
Judging by the condition, the toy is obviously one which is treasured. To reunite the elephant with the rightful owner please contact me/ E: nicholas@balbirnie.co.uk Tel: 01592 610066
Millennium Ballroom/ Her Majesty The Queen’s carpet designer.
Re Special Events 2010 and onwards. We have commissioned a brand new carpet for Balbirnie’s Millennium Ballroom, specifically to complement the new dance floor.
The carpet is a bespoke Axminster supplied by George Ewing of Perth’s Glenearn Flooring (www.glenearn.co.uk ), and was designed by Ronald Wilkie of Lano (www.lano.be ).
Ronald has previously designed many carpets for Her Majesty The Queen, for Balmoral Castle, Holyrood Palace, and Buckingham Palace.
Our sincere thanks to Ronald for evolving the design concepts for our new commission. The new Ballroom carpet will be fitted early in 2010.
Launch at Balbirnie of Green Business Fife. December 8th.
The mission statement of Fife Council’s Green Business Fife campaign is ‘to provide an integrated support mechanism in realising resource efficiency gains, minimise their environmental impact and identify new business opportunity’.
Green Business Fife is funded by Fife Council and is supported by a range of agencies, including Scottish Enterprise, Business Gateway, Business Environment Partnership, Energy Saving Trust, Envirowise, SEPA, NISP, WRAP, and Carbon Trust.
There are many clear benefits to participating businesses based or operating in Fife. For more info visit www.greenbusinessfife.co.uk
Balbirnie’s Festive Lights.
In celebration of this festive season, and in conjunction with Catalyst Event Production Services, for the next few weeks Balbirnie House will be highlighted each evening with an external rooftop-mounted Light Blaster. The rotating Spaceflower lights will be visible from 10 miles, and will be on each evening for an hour or so as guests arrive for the nightly celebrations, through to January 5th.
(In passing, we confirm that The Civil Aviation Authority has been notified, and that official Planning consent is not required for the lights, given they are not fixed in place, and are considered temporary.)
Balbirnie House on Facebook
Balbirnie House on Facebook. Balbirnie’s online presence has expanded now to include Facebook.
Please do visit.
Scotland’s most special dance floor is on the way.
Scotland’s most special dance floor is on the way. We are really delighted to say that we have commissioned what we feel is Scotland’s most special dance floor, and it will now take pride of place as the centrepiece of Balbirnie’s Millennium Ballroom. A wonderful piece of technology, this beautiful handmade floor is absolutely unique, elegant in polished black, and with more than 2,000 inset sparkling and twinkling white Led lights. The floor is set to arrive sometime soon. (We will add a photograph as soon as it arrives.)
We have heard of one of Scotland’s other hotels hiring in a one-off version of this dance floor, and it carried a hire charge for 1 event only of £4,500.00! Given the scope of Balbirnie’s Operations we will not be passing any hire charges to clients for the use of this dance floor, and will be very happy to include it as a significant upgrade, as a routine part of our services.
Balbirnie wedding coordinator Meghan Davies is very much looking forward to the new addition, saying ‘For years to come the new dance floor will provide a quite magical and stunning addition for Balbirnie’s largest Special Events, obviously for weddings in particular. The start of the first dance is always one of the most special and romantic moments of the big day, a moment that every bride and groom will never forget, and this new addition to Balbirnie’s facilities will make that moment in particular even more memorable’.
Between The Devil and The Deep Blue Sea.
Fashion label update.
A few months ago Balbirnie House hosted a photoshoot for this new fashion label, specialising in re-incarnating pre-loved patterns and recycling fabrics from bygone eras to make one-off garments, and because that's recycling, it makes for guilt free conscience clear shopping!
Designers Laurie Macmillan and Sarah Lawson now have dresses for sale locally at Edward Vintage in Kirkcaldy, and in Glasgow at Scotland’s much celebrated independent fashion outlet Che Camille (top floor of Argyll Arcade overlooking Buchanan St.) The label also has an online store, visit
We wish Laurie and Sarah all the best for 2010.
Balbirnie director is selected for Who’s Who of Britain’s Business Elite- Young Business Leaders 2010
Balbirnie director is selected for Who’s Who of Britain’s Business Elite- Young Business Leaders 2010.
Gaynor Russell has been selected for inclusion in the forthcoming edition of Who’s Who.
There are 600,000+ UK company directors aged 35 or under, less than 3% have qualified for inclusion.
Jeremy Hall, Managing Director of Who’s Who Publications writes-
Dear Mrs Russell, you have been selected for inclusion in the forthcoming edition of Young Business Leaders 2010, part of the Who’s Who of Britain’s Business Elite series, on the basis of your achievements with Balbirnie House Hotel Ltd... Entry is by selection, according to strictly determined criteria, based on the profiling of financial information... these include achieving a minimum company tangible net worth with a positive increase year on year...’
Gaynor joined Balbirnie back in 1997 as a Hotel Receptionist, and for the last decade has headed up Balbirnie’s wedding planning department, overseeing the input of many millions of revenues through our company and in turn also the local economy. Gaynor says- ‘It is an honour to be listed, and although the accolade has been bestowed upon me personally, it is certainly an acknowledgement of the company’s business achievements, and I therefore dedicate this lovely piece of news to the entire brigade’.
Ladies’ Days at Balbirnie/ £630.00 raised for charity.
Ladies’ Days at Balbirnie. Our sincere appreciation and thanks to all stallholders, exhibitors and guests who attended Balbirnie’s pre-Christmas Ladies’ Days. We saw a lovely array of produce and crafts, ranging from a quite amazing gingerbread house, to Scandinavian children’s clothing, from handmade Christmas cards to Jamie Oliver ‘At Home’.
To download a full list and all contact info for those exhibiting please click here 
Executive Chef Mark Lindsey, together with Richard Dalgleish and Masson To, gave a cookery demo in Balbirnie’s Orangery. Risotto with seared scallops, butter-poached chicken with mushroom gnocchi, and vanilla cheesecake to finish. To download the recipes please click here.
In memory of Alan Russell a total of £630.00 was also raised for charity, for The Chest, Heart and Stroke Foundation Scotland.
Kingdom FM film TV commercial at Balbirnie. Sat 14 November.
Balbirnie has provided the backdrop for a new TV commercial for Fife, The ‘We’re 4 Fife’ Campaign, in conjunction with Kingdom FM, Fife Council, The Courier and Adam Smith College.
The commercial will be airing across the nation on STV in the first couple of weeks of 2010.
Freuchie Primary/ Toddlers visit to Balbirnie.
This has perhaps been our youngest group of visitors in 2009! The group, accompanied by teacher Mrs Burgess, had a demonstration from Pastry Chef Rob Jones, a guided tour of the entire hotel from Kylie Thomson, and a sampling of ice creams from our ice cream factory.
Stay at Balbirnie this Christmas.
Stay at Balbirnie over Christmas. The clink of decanters of Port. Jack Frost on a parkland walk.
Delicious food over a very special few days. A guest appearance from the man in the red suit.
Arrive Christmas Eve and settle in for three nights, inclusive package from £410.00 per person.
(2 night stay also available)
For more information and full itinerary please do not hesitate to contact me.
E: kelly@balbirnie.co.uk Kelly Adams/ Front Office Balbirnie
Christmas Eve, Hogmanay brand new Balbirnie introductions, and New Year’s Day Lunch. 2009/ 10 Highlights of the Festive Season.
Christmas Eve.
Just a lovely way to start Christmas itself. Cocktails and canapés reception with Christmas carol singers, followed by a 4 course Balbirnie signature dishes dinner in The Orangery. £39.50 per person.
Each Year our Hogmanay Ball in Balbirnie’s Millennium Ballroom is always fully booked well in advance. (Fully booked this year already.)
For 2009/ 2010 Hogmanay we have another two brand new alternatives.
Hogmanay Dinner in The Orangery.
Canapes on arrival, and a lovely 4 course dinner with coffee and petit fours. £70.00 per person.
Times available between 7.47pm and 9.00pm. Last Bar orders 11.30pm. By prior arrangement guests can stay on for more drinks and the bells.
Hogmanay Dinner in The Balbirnie Bistro.
The Bistro will be open on Hogmanay for dinner as usual, serving the usual Bistro menu. Lat orders 8.30pm. Closes 11.30pm.
Our regular customers will recall that up until a few years ago we used to offer a very popular New Year’s Day Gala buffet lunch.
Such was the demand for resident stays we in turn simply ran out of space and the event ceased.
We have tweaked things around a little this year, and are delighted to offer-
New Year’s Day Late Lunch (from 2pm onwards) in The Orangery.
A great way to celebrate the start of the New Year with family and friends. 3 courses with coffee and petit fours £35.00 per person.
New Year’s Day Lunch and Dinner (usual menu) is also available this year in The Balbirnie Bistro.
For all above festive bookings E:/ Santa’s helper rosemary@balbirnie.co.uk
Party nights/ just a few spaces left. Ho ho ho!!! Christmas is around the corner.
Party nights/ just a few spaces left. Ho ho ho!!! Christmas is around the corner.
Christmas Party Nights. We have a few spaces remaining on 3 dates only.
- Tuesday 15 December (1 table only)
- Thursday 17 December (1 table only)
- Tuesday 22 December (more than 1 table remaining)
Special accommodation rates available for all of the above dates.
If interested in reserving E: rosemary@balbirnie.co.uk
Fife Licensed Trade Ball
Fife Licensed Trade Ball. Wednesday 4th November, we are delighted to welcome all those who are attending this evenings Ball in Balbirnie’s Millennium Ballroom.
Chef de Partie job vacancy
Chef de Partie vacancy. We have a new vacancy within our kitchen brigade, working in Balbirnie’s Orangery. 2+ AA Rosette background would be ideal, but we welcome all applications. If interested please submit CV to Exec Chef Mark Lindsey via email mark@balbirnie.co.uk
An historical first. THE GREAT LAWN COMPANY/ Balbirnie hosts conference for launch of Revolutionary UK Lawncare.
Balbirnie hosts launch of Revolutionary UK Lawncare. Over the years we have seen many very interesting conferences and Special Events, perhaps none more so than for THE GREAT LAWN COMPANY, who have held their company launch at Balbirnie House on 2nd November. The company is headed up by 3 directors with 100 years of agronomy experience, and together they have created a unique natural range of lawn applications. As opposed to treating domestic lawns with chemicals and pesticides, The Great Lawn Company will be using these pioneering fully natural treatments, and will be commencing throughout central Scotland in Spring of next year. More info to come, homepage info at www.greatlawncompany.com
In tandem with all of our green ethos and evolving sustainability, we are very proud indeed to announce that Balbirnie House will be the first hotel ever in history to have its lawns treated in this ground-breaking natural way by The Great Lawn Company.
Balbirnie’s new Ebay shop/ first item for charity.
Balbirnie’s new Ebay shop. Over recent years we have accumulated quite a few interesting items, and as well as these, due to never-ending refurbishments we will have ongoing disposals of furniture, and so on. Our first item for sale is a quite unique set of 8 collector’s plates, which will be an absolutely extraordinary addition for someone’s crockery set. The plates themselves were given to Balbirnie during the few weeks early in 2008 in which one of our restaurants found itself as a focus of quite unusual national media attention. Proceeds of this first sale are going to our nominated charity, Children’s Hospice Association Scotland.
All obviously for a really great cause, so please click here to enter your best bid.Watch this space, other items coming soon.
Congratulations. Hotel Secretary Anne has a little girl.
Congratulations. 27 October. Hotel Secretary Anne has a little girl. Our congratulations to Hotel Secretary Anne Ramsay, and partner Craig Millar, whose newborn daughter Caitlin arrived at 3.05am this morning.
Caitlin weighed in at 7lb 1oz.
Congratulations. Front Office Manager Gillian has a little girl.
Our congratulations to Gillian Carson, whose newborn daughter Ema-May arrived at 3.30pm this afternoon.
Ema-May weighed in at 7lb 7oz.
New edition: Best Scottish Weddings ‘And the winner is...’
‘Venue news, awards aplenty and budget-friendly deals... WE LOVE ... AND THE WINNER IS... Drum roll please!
Balbirnie House is Scotland’s Wedding hotel of the Year and to celebrate its accolade, it has rolled out a host of tempting offers for those planning to marry at the venue on certain dates in 2010. These ‘Deals of the Decade’ include 40% off exclusive-use springtime Sunday weddings and special all-inclusive spring deals at £52.95 per head...
Situated in Markinch village in Fife, this Grade A listed Georgian mansion has twice won ‘Wedding Hotel of the Year’ as voted by HotelReviewScotland. For large weddings, choose from the sophisticated Long Gallery, the gorgeous Orangery, or the Millennium Ballroom which overlooks new gardens. Smaller parties can enjoy several more intimate rooms with real character. For the wedding party, Balbirnie has sumptuous four-poster suites and 30 individually designed bedrooms’.
Hot off the press. ‘Classic’. Balbirnie House in 2010 AA Restaurant Guide
Hot off the press. ‘Classic’. Balbirnie House in 2010 AA Restaurant Guide. Following this year’s Automobile Association Inspection, Balbirnie House has retained rosette classification for a 15th consecutive year. Hot off the press here is the summary-
‘Classic. Accomplished Scottish cuisine in imposing Georgian Mansion. Dating back to 1777, Balbirnie House is one of Scotland’s foremost listed buildings. The impressive Georgian mansion, set in 400 acres of stunning landscaped parkland, is now a luxurious country-house hotel. The refurbished restaurant, The Orangery, is sumptuously decorated in shades of silver, copper and chocolate with floor-to-ceiling lunette windows and a glass roof. The menu features beautifully presented classical cuisine, using the very best from Scotland’s rich larder, much of it locally sourced. Expect impressive dishes such as Cullen Skink or Isle of Lewis lamb shoulder pie served with the loin- pink and tender- on a bed of curly kale with potato Anne. Finish with banana parfait and peanut butter ice cream, and note the more informal Balbirnie Bistro is also worth a punt’.
Adam Smith College visit Balbirnie
Adam Smith College visit Balbirnie. We were delighted to welcome a group of students from The Hospitality Department at Fife's Adam Smith College.
The visit gave the opportunity for the students to have an in-depth tour of the entire premises, both front and back of house.
The group are pictured below, with lecturer Fiona Milne (front row, second from left).
We set aside certain dates throughout the year for visits from colleges, if interested please
email phyllis@balbirnie.co.uk
Markinch Primary school visit Balbirnie
Markinch Primary school visit Balbirnie. Earlier this year we were delighted to welcome Primary 1 pupils from Markinch Primary school, and in turn we have received a special painting, copy below.
On the day, the pupils had a tour of the hotel, and then were shown how to make marzipan fruit, by Balbirnie’s Pastry Chef Rob Jones.
We set aside certain dates throughout the year for visits from schools, if interested please
email phyllis@balbirnie.co.uk
The VOWS Awards 2009. Balbirnie’s wedding coordinators are nominated for big award.
The VOWS Awards 2009. Balbirnie’s wedding coordinators are nominated for big award. Congratulations to Gaynor and Meghan, who have together been nominated for a VOWS award, for Scotland’s 2009 Wedding Coordinator of the Year.
The VOWS Awards are a celebration of wedding companies, large and small, that offer the best levels of service to those planning a wedding in Scotland.
Couples, once married, are asked to nominate the best companies they have dealt with, in writing or online, scoring these companies in the following areas:
- Quality of Product: The quality of showrooms, cleanliness, shop/store layout and ease of parking
- Level of Service: Attitude of owners/managers, professionalism of staff and quality of advice/assistance
- Value for Money: Compared with other quotes – promises against standards delivered
- Overall Rating: Overall satisfaction with supplier; product and service before, during and after the wedding
Congratulations also to one of Balbirnie’s ‘in-house’ bands, Callanish, who have been nominated in the Music and Entertainment category.
Congratulations indeed to all those across the wedding industry who have made the shortlists. At Balbirnie we are humbled to have won many unique accolades across the years, none more so than the VOWS supreme accolade of The Industry Award, the single biggest award across the span of everything (and everyone) to do with weddings. Since receiving The Industry Award our entire brigade have been working very hard indeed to live up to and also exceed the expectations created.
It is an honour to be nominated in any category and to make the final shortlists, and one and all will look forward to the final results and awards dinner, which will be take place at The Glasgow Hilton on Monday 9th November.
Best wishes,
Samantha Slight/ Operations Manager
E: samantha@balbirnie.co.uk
Orangery celebrations. Classics/ Roast duck gets maple glaze. Beef fillet Steak with Bearnaise returns!!! The Orangery. Brand new Autumn menus.
Orangery celebrations. Classics/ Roast duck gets maple glaze. Beef fillet Steak with Bearnaise returns!!! The Orangery. Brand new Autumn menus are underway. Autumn is indeed here, and as Balbirnie Park’s tree collections now start to turn into a stunning and veritable tapestry of Tibetan colours, we are delighted to announce our brand new Orangery menus, as always embracing and tweaking the classics, in this instance a traditional ‘Duck a L’Orange’ has evolved into ‘Duck with a maple and orange glaze’, and is already proving a real hit.
Balbirnie’s renowned Aberdeen Angus Fillet Steak with duck fat chips and Bearnaise sauce also makes an entry back onto our dinner menus. As the hotel inspector put it a few days ago – ‘You have never had steak and chips until you have had Balbirnie's take on steak and chips’. We, and our butcher David Henderson, were absolutely chuffed to bits to receive that complement.
We are always told by our many guests that dining in The Orangery is really an evening’s experience, one of Fife’s truly special destination restaurants in which to have a celebration. We therefore present Autumn with that in mind, and are very happy also to say that our pricing structures in The Orangery are truly representing some really good value, especially in the midst of this recession. Got the recession blues? If so, then come along for lunch or dinner in The Orangery and we will do our very best to remove them.
Please do not hesitate to let me know if you are coming for a celebration in The Orangery.
In particular if you are celebrating a birthday, or an anniversary it is always nice if we know in advance.
- To see the new menus click here
Best wishes,
Kylie Thomson E: kylie@balbirnie.co.uk
Osprey Lodge features in The Press and Journal
‘A very special Lodge’. Osprey Lodge features in The Press and Journal.
- Click here to download a PDF of the article
Osprey Lodge features in The Scotsman
Osprey Lodge, The Balbirnie Highland Retreat, has been 100% occupied since we opened in February, and features now in the travel section of The Scotsman Newspaper.
- Click here to download a PDF of the article
Magnificent country house. Balbirnie is visited by The HotelReviewScotland Inspector.
- To read the complete review please click here.
New Balbirnie Painting
New Balbirnie Painting. Our sincere thanks go to artist Adrian McMurchie, who has supplied us with the original Balbirnie painting which was commissioned many years ago by The Glasgow Herald. The original now hangs with pride of place in our front hall. The painting will be well known to the many clients who have had celebrations at Balbirnie House over the years, as it forms the cover of our Congratulations cards..
Champagne! Anne Malassagne visits Balbirnie.
‘Champagne! Anne Malassagne visits Balbirnie. Anne, together with brother Antoine, owns The Lenoble Champagne House, which supplies our House Champagne, and our House Rose Champagne, which is made to a special blend which is totally unique to Balbirnie.
Excerpts from The Malassagne Moment newsletter-
Questions for Anne-
If you had to sum up your champagne in one word?
Racy.
If you had to sum up your champagne in one emotion?
Shared pleasure.
If you had to sum up your philosophy in one sentence?
Promote our exceptional vines by making champagne with quality and authenticity always at the forefront.
What is your favourite word?
Life, because ultimately it is the only thing that matters.
If you had to link champagne to a particular emotion or a memory?
Each of my children tasting their first drop of champagne a few hours after they were born.
Memories are made of this. A real life wedding! ‘Spectacular photography opportunities inside and out’. Balbirnie features in The Scottish Wedding Directory.
‘A real life wedding! Balbirnie features in The Scottish Wedding Directory. Congratulations to Lorelle and Greg, and here are excerpts of the printed article.
- Click here to download
Balbirnie features in Best Scottish Weddings Magazine/ issue summer 2009.
‘Venue News, awards aplenty. WE LOVE ***, AND THE WINNER IS... Drum roll please! Balbirnie House is Scotland’s Wedding Hotel of the Year and to celebrate its accolade, it has rolled out a host of tempting offers for those planning to marry at the venue in certain dates in 2011. These ‘Deals of the Decade’ include 40% off exclusive-use springtime Sunday weddings and special all-inclusive spring deals at £52.95 per head’.....
Wedding Open Day. Sunday 18th October.
Wedding Open Day. Sunday 18th October. We are delighted to announce that in conjunction with Silver Events we will be hosting a Wedding Open Day at Balbirnie House on Sunday 18th October.
- To download flyer click here
Balbirnie on Kingdom FM
Balbirnie on Kingdom FM. Balbirnie is featuring this week on Fife’s radio station Kingdom FM/ 95.2 & 96.1FM, with features on The Orangery and The Balbirnie Bistro. Tune in to win numerous High Tea vouchers!
Congratulations to Meghan and Chris.
Congratulations to Meghan and Chris. Balbirnie wedding coordinator Meghan Brodie gets married at Balbirnie House today/ Friday 4th September. The House has provided the backdrop for a record number of weddings over the last few months, and today certainly promises to be a particularly memorable occasion.
The newlyweds/ photograph courtesy of Lifetime Photography
New House Wines
New House Wines. We have now introduced a brand new range of lovely House wines, from Las Condes in Chile, a Chardonnay, a Merlot and for the first time a House Rose.
High T in the Park/ Balbirnie
High Tea in the Park. Our latest offering of High Tea in The Balbirnie Bistro every Saturday and Sunday has introduced very well over the last few months, with great value for a leisurely late afternoon family meal, between 3.00 pm and 5.30pm.
- To download the latest High Tea menu please click here.
Wolfgang Spenke/ the future
Balbirnie’s Operations Director arrived here back in 1999 saying ‘I’m here for a couple of years’. Here we are 10 years later. Wolfgang and Rosemary’s wedding was the first ever to take place in Balbirnie’s Millenium Ballroom, and he then started work in the hotel following the return from honeymoon. Since starting Wolfgang has looked after a great proportion of weddings and Special Events, and has become very well known indeed to our many regular guests. Wolfgang has also served on our company board of directors for the last couple of years.
It is with sadness today that we announce that Wolfgang is departing from Balbirnie for pastures new this Friday 28th August, having determined to open his own Hotel and Restaurant consultancy business. Wolfgang will no doubt be very well placed indeed to offer valuable services, given such significant input into Balbirnie’s evolving history over the last decade. Particular expertise will be offered in formats such as in-house training, systems, and introduction of cost efficiencies.
- To visit Wolfgang's consultancy please click here
Wolfgang’s role as Operations Director has been filled by Phyllis Wilkie. Phyllis is also very well known to our brigade and clients, having previously been Assistant Manager/ front-of-house operations at Balbirnie House in the periods of 1992- 1997, and again in 2000-2003. Phyllis joins us from a position of being in charge of Special Events Departments in one of Scotland’s 5 AA Red Star hotel properties.
We welcome Phyllis back to Balbirnie, and we wish Wolfgang all the very best of success into the future with his new company, and express our sincere gratitude for what has been a decade of enjoyment, and an accumulation of many special memories.
Swishing/ Coaltown of Balgonie Balbirnie Raffle prize.
Balbirnie House donated the star prize at the Coaltown Raffle, raising £300.00 for The Children’s Hospice Association Scotland.
To visit the charity’s web site please visit www.chas.org.uk
Congratulations to Jay Hutchieson who won the prize of a very special evening for 4 guests with a champagne reception and a 6 course dinner with matching wines at The Chef’s Table in Balbirnie’s Orangery.
The Therapy Room at Balbirnie opens Friday 21 August.
We are delighted to announce that The Therapy Room at Balbirnie opens this Friday 21st August.
This brand new facility is being operated by Devonside Health and Beauty.
- To download a PDF list of available treatments please click here.
Tel: 01592 205829
Hotelkeeping during a recession. Balbirnie House features in The Press and Journal.
Balbirnie/ The Press and Journal. To read the article click here
Osprey Lodge/ Update, Guestbook comments, Thanks
To download Osprey Lodge update click here
Ian Sword, The Balbirnie piper. A photo from the archives.
Ian Sword, The Balbirnie piper. A photo from the archives. Balbirnie’s in-house piper Ian Sword is celebrating being 73 years old this year. Ian is a very well-known part of the history of Balbirnie House, and as well as piping each year at the traditional Hogmanay celebrations, Ian also pipes at the vast majority of Balbirnie’s wedding celebrations.
In tribute to the many years and so many memorable occasions at Balbirnie House here is a very historic 63 year old photo from the archives, with Ian (at age 10) about to play the pipes at a wedding for the very first time.
Heartfelt thanks to Ian for helping make so many Balbirnie occasions special. Rest assured there have been many indeed who have risen to their feet to the sounds of the pipes of Ian Sword, and usually as a traditionalist a great believer (at the point of piping the bride down the aisle) in ‘Highland Cathedral’. That in particular is perhaps the most emotive memory in anyone’s life.
Ian, there will always be treasured memories aplenty. All at Balbirnie thank you sincerely. Best wishes to you and yours.
Nicholas
15 Year AA Red Stars/ Celebratory Staff Summer BBQ.
The Balbirnie brigade has just celebrated 15 years of AA Red Stars, at a special summer Ballroom BBQ at which friends, family and children were all invited.
We had a great celebration, the adults enjoyed the bouncy castle, some 200 invited guests had summer cocktails, grilled sausages and Chef Lindsey’s home-made burgers.
Here are a few commemorative photos.
LADIES DAY RECIPES
LADIES DAY RECIPES. Thanks so much to everyone who has written to us following our first ever day for the ladies, a lot of dedicated hard work went into this inaugural event, and it has been so very nice to see such welcome feedback from the many assembled stallholders and guests. Such was the success of the occasion we are now adding two similar events which will take place later this year in November, both with a pre-Christmas theme for shopping, and cooking!
In the meantime, here are the 3 recipes prepared on the day at the cookery demonstration by Executive Chef Mark Lindsey and Orangery Head Chef Richard Dalgliesh. (Richard asks us to convey ‘cooking for so many ladies was a real treat for a Chef, and I’m already looking forward to November’.)
Bradan Rost! Coming soon. Kilnroasted Hot Smoked Salmon.
Bradan Rost! Coming soon. Kilnroasted Hot Smoked Salmon, and more. Balbirnie’s Executive Chef Mark Lindsey is introducing a new offering of our very own home-smoked range, all prepared at Balbirnie. A particular house speciality is going to be Bradan Rost, a traditional Gaelic preparation of Hot Smoked Salmon. We will be offering this lovely new oak-roasted addition wef mid August to our banquet selections, as well as in The Balbirnie Bistro and Orangery, with many variations, warm salads, hot with whisky cream, and also evolving into absolutely delicious pate.
Any clients with forthcoming events, feel free to delay the choice of starter until we have this lovely new offering available.
Coming soon! The Treatment Room at Balbirnie.
Coming soon! The Treatment Room at Balbirnie. We have a brand new offering coming soon, a special in-house facility for a wide selection of Aromatherapy massage, Reiki, Reflexology, and Beauty Treatments. Watch this space for updates.
Fashion photoshoot. Between The Devil and The Deep Blue Sea. New fashion label.
Between The Devil and The Deep Blue Sea. New fashion label/ Balbirnie House photoshoot
Vintage couture at affordable pricing. For more info and online store please visit www.devilandthedeepbluesea.co.uk
Brand new/ Balbirnie House Outside Catering.
Brand new/ Balbirnie House Outside Catering. We are delighted to announce that we are extending our operations to now offering an Outside Catering service. This service will be run quite simply as Balbirnie House Outside Catering. Over the last 20 years (without promoting any such service) we have catered for quite a variety of one-off bespoke external events, from boardroom lunches, to canapés and cocktail receptions, to weddings, BBQ’s and various special celebrations. We are now able to provide a full-on outside catering service, and will be delighted to quote for any event of any size.
During the build-up to an outside catering event our Special Events Planning Department will work closely with our clients to address the exact specifics of the occasion. Underpinning Balbirnie House Outside Catering are the strong foundations of The Balbirnie Brand, providing a very firm reassurance that our clients will have a supplier that can be totally relied upon. Our Outside Catering services blend a long tradition of great food and outstanding service, professional event planning and bespoke attention to detail.
We will be happy to consider any event, from private house parties, to provision of regular contract services. Weddings are obviously a particular Balbirnie speciality! For more info please email rosemary@balbirnie.co.uk (Tel 01592 610066)
Balbirnie into The 2009 Prom Season.
Balbirnie into 2009 Prom Season. As the seasons roll by we always look forward very much to seeing Balbirnie play host in the summer months to a series of the most special and memorable events we ever have, the summer Prom season.
Balbirnie’s Millenium Ballroom is used for celebrations for school-leavers across Fife, and sometimes from further afield. The effort that goes in to these events from school leavers and their teachers is always quite extraordinary, with expectations and emotions in particular always running high. Many of the guests will have been saving for a long time for that really special dress, for the unique kilt outfit, and for the ticket! ...
Balbirnie Operations Manager Samantha Slight says ‘always a real sense of occasion, especially with the arrival of guests on the night to our ‘Merchant Ivory film set’, and sometimes with family members turning up to take photos, they are always really special occasions’.
Each evening usually starting with the customary arrival of a procession of stretch limos, followed by reception and official commemorative photographs, then a celebratory meal followed with dancing.
Latest 2009 Prom organiser guest comments-
‘Just a little note to say thank you very much for the leavers night last Thursday. All staff, including the Rector, commented on how well presented and organised Balbirnie House were, and for that we are truly grateful. You always make the occasion very memorable’.
Balbirnie has a firm policy wherever possible of active involvement throughout the local community, we therefore approach Prom celebrations with a view very much to subsidising and reducing our routinely-published prices, so as to make them fully accessible for these events in particular. Our Prom packages start at a very special price of £37.50 per guest. If interested in reserving a Prom celebration for 2010 please email rosemary@balbirnie.co.uk
LAUNCH OF 2010 WEDDING DEALS OF THE DECADE.
We are now celebrating the launch of DEALS OF THE DECADE, absolutely unprecedented at Balbirnie House in offering simply amazing value.
Balbirnie House is the (Scottish Hotel of the Year Awards) 2009 Wedding Hotel of the Year, and it is in celebration of this accolade in particular that we are now offering some really special pricing structures for a few remaining dates throughout 2010. We fundamentally believe that these deals are truly by a country mile the best value available in Scotland.
If you believe many reports in the press over the last couple of years weddings can cost ‘on average’ 20 grand.
Well, that is certainly news to us, especially in the context of these brand new DEALS OF THE DECADE!!! (Unless you intend following your special day with a 4 week honeymoon in Mauritius!!!)
We propose either-
40% off!!! BALBIRNIE’S SUNDAY IN SPRING EXCLUSIVE USE DEAL OF THE DECADE.
No exclusive use hire charge, representing a whopping 40% discount! Yes, you have just read that correctly....
Fancy taking over the whole house privately, for what is quite simply the ultimate Balbirnie House wedding?
Any remaining Sundays in Spring 2010 now carry no exclusive use charge, representing a discount of a whopping 40% on the main wedding account. (Based on minimum 70 guests.)
As a representation, with all guests settling individual accounts for accommodation, you could book Balbirnie House privately as follows, for the main wedding account, 70 guests at £52.95 per person all-inclusive drinks and meal package, in total £3,706.50. (Deal is only dependent on all 30 bedrooms occupied at £55.00 per person, bed and breakfast included.)
We can happily say that is truly the deal of the decade.
Alternatively-
BALBIRNIE’S ALL-INCLUSIVE 2010 SPRING PACKAGE
All-in on any remaining dates at £52.95 per person. Minimum numbers (70) apply for the day of the wedding.
(No requirement to take all bedrooms, so the main wedding itself all-in at £3,706.50 for 70 guests.)
Or-
BALBIRNIE’S ALL-INCLUSIVE 2010 MIDWEEK PACKAGE
All-in on any remaining dates at £52.95 per person. Minimum numbers (70) apply for the day of the wedding.
(No requirement to take all bedrooms, so the main wedding itself all-in at £3,706.50 for 70 guests, Mondays to Thursdays even throughout peak summer dates.)
BALBIRNIE’S FREE HONEYMOON DEAL OF THE DECADE
A few dates available. A Friday wedding in January, or a Thursday in February.
Minimum numbers (70) apply for the day of the wedding, and enjoy a complimentary 6/ 7 night FREE HONEYMOON at Balbirnie’s Highland Retreat, one of the most truly romantic destination properties in Scotland, Osprey Lodge at Tulloch, in The Cairngorms National Park. Why honeymoon in Aspen when we have The Cairngorms on our doorstep!!!???!!!
Or,
BALBIRNIE’S SMALL AND INTIMATE DEAL OF THE DECADE
Available on Mondays and Tuesdays (and a few other selected dates) throughout the Year. Please contact us for availability.
Yours will of course as always be the only wedding taking place in the house.
We can offer a choice of The Garden Room (up to 14 guests), The West Room (up to 36 guests), or for a few more guests (36- 70) why not our stunning Orangery, Scotsman Newspaper Top 5 Most Romantic Dining Rooms in the country.
Whatever the scope and size of your wedding, I will be absolutely delighted to meet you and show you around beautiful Balbirnie.
In the meantime if you would like more information, or a personalised specific quote on any of the above DEALS OF THE DECADE then please email gaynor@balbirnie.co.uk , or call on 01592 610066
Kind regards,
Nicholas Russell
Managing Director/ Balbirnie House
'No 1 venue in Scotland'. A rather Special Event at Balbirnie House.
A rather Special Event at Balbirnie. Our customary client confidentiality dictates that we are unable to name the organisation itself, but in the last few days we can confirm that Balbirnie House has acted as host venue for a quite unique gathering of worldwide business leaders.
Our organisational point of contact says- 'I am delighted to say that the feedback received today from the Scotland members has put Balbirnie as the number one venue in Scotland that we have held event at ... the attendees really enjoyed the attention to detail and the professional, but relaxed attitude of all your team. Please pass on our thanks...'
We are really delighted to receive such lovely comments, which we think kindof summarise best how we endeavour to approach the succesful planning and provision of backdrop for our many in-house Private and Corporate Special Events.
Our pricing structures for use of The Balbirnie Business Centre and Corporate Events in general (particularly Mondays to Thursdays) are currently offering extremely good value, really affordable luxury, and paving the way for business ahead. If you would like us to quote for your own event please email rosemary@balbirnie.co.uk (or call on 01592 610066)
A couple of opportunities in Balbirnie’s Kitchen brigade.
A couple of opportunities in Balbirnie’s Kitchen brigade. We have a vacancy for an experienced CHEF DE PARTIE (salary by negotiation), and also for a GENERAL KITCHEN ASSISTANT.
Applications please direct to Executive Chef Mark Lindsey
Tel 01592 610066
Email: mark@balbirnie.co.uk
The Caledonian Kitchens. Ice cream for sale!
The Caledonian Kitchens. Ice cream for sale! We have now relocated our Ice Cream factory into the grounds of Balbirnie Park.
Ice cream is now available for sale directly from reception at Balbirnie House.
We are repeatedly told that this is the finest luxury ice cream available in the land.
Flavours currently available for sale/ Classic Vanilla, Strawberries and Cream, Belgian Chocolate and Mint Chocolate Chip.
Tub sizes are 2 litres and 4 litres.
In passing, Executive Chef Mark Lindsey has now introduced delicious local strawberries onto our Bistro Specials, accompanied by our brand new recipe for Clotted Cream Ice Cream.
Just a few spaces remaining/ A fantastic Day for the Ladies!!! Tuesday 23rd June
Entertaining clients? Or, an excuse for a day out with friends? Balbirnie’s first ever Ladies’ Day. Just a few spaces remaining/ A fantastic Day for the Ladies!!! Tuesday 23rd June
Morning coffee, individual stalls and exhibitors, cookery demonstration, ice cream tasting from The Caledonian Kitchens, Balbirnie’s own ice cream factory, and a lovely 3 course lunch in The Ballroom. £27.50 per person/ To reserve these handful of remaining spaces for what promises to be a really lovely occasion please just call Rosemary on 01592 610066/ E: rosemary@balbirnie.co.uk
GRILLED! Got a Barbie coming up in the next few days? First guest comments from new recipe section.
GRILLED! First guest comments. Email from a Mr Jeremy du Plessis has arrived at Balbirnie House, as follows- ‘I have just cooked your chicken Piri Piri recipe... the gravy was exactly as instructed... it works and tastes a treat... the whole thing is buuuuuuudiful, just buuuuuuuuuuuuudiful, I finished the bird off on 'The BBQ Grill' as outlined, moist succulent meat with crisp spicy skin... what a gravy... buuuuuuudiful!!!’
GRILLED! Brand New/ Balbirnie’s Recipe of the month!
GRILLED! Brand New/ Balbirnie’s Recipe of the month. May 2009/ This month Hotel Manager Nicholas Russell is on the grill.
Welcome to GRILLED. Many clients ask us for our recipes, so we have decided to create a brand new section on our web site just for these. In particular we will be featuring many Balbirnie classics and signature dishes, many of which have evolved over the years.
Every month we’ll add another recipe. Orangery classics, banquet specialities, honest Bistro dishes, lovely desserts, cocktails, home dishes, BBQ specialities, and many more. We will design all of these so that they are really workable and easy to create at home.
In the spirit of all this, and given we are (at home) now in what is termed High Grilling Season I’m absolutely delighted to kick things off.
Kofi Annan. A proud day. ‘The world’s pre-eminent diplomat’, in residence at Balbirnie.
Kofi Annan. We have been very proud indeed to have Kofi Annan stay at Balbirnie.
The former United Nations Secretary General was in residence whilst in Scotland to deliver the 2009 Adam Smith lecture.
Mr Annan was introduced at the lecture by Prime Minister Gordon Brown as ‘the world’s pre-eminent diplomat’, continuing ‘It is a great privilege to hear Mr Annan share his thoughts on the global economic crisis and his hopes for the future, during what has been a thoroughly memorable occasion’.
The Adam Smith Lecture has become firmly established as a key event in Scotland, as well as a highlight for Adam Smith College, which continues to deliver world-class learning opportunities for the people of Fife and beyond.
Osprey Lodge/ Fully Booked/ First availability September 2009/ plus ... Osprey Lodge Xmas and New Year
Osprey Lodge: Since opening in February The Balbirnie Highland Retreat has been 100% occupied, and is now fully booked until 25th September 2009.
If interested in reserving a great value Autumn break then please email booking agent direct/ Stevie Carmichael at Great North Lodges E: gnl@greatnorthlodges.co.uk
Similarly, bookings are now available for stays over Christmas and New Year, as well as into the 2010 Skiing Season.
Visit Osprey Lodge at www.greatnorthlodges.co.uk/Osprey.htm
Brand New Opportunity at Balbirnie/ In-house Treatment Room
New Opportunity at Balbirnie/ In-house Treatment Room. We are currently in the process of converting an area into a specialised treatment room, which will be made available on annual rental to a Treatment Specialist. Services may involve beauty treatments, and massage, physio, refloxology, reiki, etc. (We are open entirely as regards which treatments will be offered.)
We will provide various in-house marketing opportunities to the successful applicant.
We are seeking an individual (or individuals) with a proven track record, who will bring a great service to our guests, providing a personal approach which is fully compatible with our existing company operations. In the first instance please submit CV to Front Office Manager, Gillian Carson via email gillian@balbirnie.co.uk
The Automobile Association- 'Balbirnie House celebrates today/ 15 Years with AA Red Stars'.
'Balbirnie House celebrates today/ 15 Years with AA Red Stars'.
The AA state- 'These hotels stand out as the very best in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, regardless of style. The selected Inspectors' Choice hotels are identified by Red Stars'.
Nicholas Russell/ MD Balbirnie says- 'We are absolutely delighted to once again receive this tremendous industry accolade, testament to all the great teamwork which goes into Balbirnie as a constantly evolving hotel.
Reflecting back on a long relationship with the Automobile Association, thirty years ago my mother Elizabeth and my late father Alan opened a hotel in Ayrshire, Chapeltoun House, which was one of the first ever UK hotels to be awarded Red Star status, an award which was held there continuously for 10 years. The AA apply the most rigourous and structred approach to how their judging is applied, and we are absolutely delighted to see Balbirnie now in it’s 15th year of such classification. This a historic landmark for Balbirnie, and my father would have been enormously proud of the team'.
Tremendous value in The Balbirnie Bistro/ traditional weekend High Tea menu £12.95
The Balbirnie Bistro/ High Tea Menu is now running Saturdays and Sundays 3.00pm to 5.30pm. This is Balbirnie’s offering for what is a very traditional weekend get-together for family and friends. Tea or coffee, toast and hand-made cakes, and choose from a selection of Bistro main courses, £12.95 per person. For reservations please call us on 01592 610066
Balbirnie Highland Retreat/ Osprey Lodge first press/ ‘into Narnia...’ THE SUN NEWSPAPER
An eclectic mix as Osprey Lodge provides a backdrop for a memorable weekend stay, as well as a few thoughts on Scotland’s National football team!
Balbirnie Highland Retreat/ Osprey Lodge first press/ THE SUN NEWSPAPER 4 April 09/
Journalist: Alan McGowan
OSPREY LODGE/ SCORE A WINNER IN HIGHLAND HIDEAWAY
‘It’s not easy avoiding Scotland’s World Cup qualifiers. But substituting yourself into the middle of a national park is the simplest way to give George Burley and his Tartan Army their marching orders. Kilts, Glengarries and Scotland jerseys aren’t compulsory in the Cairngorms National Park – and just as well because we purposefully hadn’t packed any for our stay near Boat of Garten.
The gameplan for our team of eight was a tranquil family weekend away from it all, with strictly no footie. And we timed our arrival perfectly as the first osprey of the season swooped in after a 3,000-mile flap from Africa. Seven year old EJ and her mate VS put the ‘osprey’ into Osprey Lodge, a fabulous architect-designed house slap bang in the middle of the Cairngorms National Park. It’s the kind of home you wish you owned – airy beams and glass roofs, mod-cons such as wireless internet, a Wii and even an outdoor hot tub. And if you’re fortunate you’ll awake to a winter wonderland like we did.
For kids, Rebecca, seven, Hannah, four, Daisy, three and one year old Poppy, it was like stepping out of the wardrobe and into Narnia. Wellies and sledges were deployed for a morning of exploring a white new world before we trudged back to Osprey Lodge and soothed our weary limbs in the hot tub. There’s something a little strange about relaxing in a bubbling tub while the snow falls around you – but it’s a heavenly way to re-energise ahead of some osprey-spotting.
Perched not far from their breeding ground in the RSPB’s Osprey Centre where you can take a peek at these love-struck birds via webcam or strategically-placed binoculars. It’s just a short wooded stroll from the shore of Loch Garten back to the lodge, which is a haven for families – there’s bags of room for up to eight and the ample garden is fully enclosed.
A visit to the Cairngorms isn’t complete without a trip on the Strathspey Steam Railway which puffs along a six-mile section of the original Great North of Scotland railway. The scenery from the viewing terrace at the end of the line is gobsmacking as Scotland is laid out before you in its rugged glory.
And a dash of Osprey Lodge water – from its own spring – added to one of Speyside’s finest single malts made a fitting toast to our weekend. While our kids slept like logs, us adults just had to have one last go of the fantastic hot tub under the stars. I bet the Scotland squad don’t have a team bath like this’
For Osprey Lodge reservations, and further info on unique rental properties throughout The Cairngorms National Park, please contact agent Great North Lodges www.greatnorthlodges.co.uk / Tel. 01479 812 266 / Email: gnl@greatnorthlodges.co.uk
Public online vote/ Balbirnie House takes the 2009 Scottish Luxury Hotel of The Year Award
Info from HotelReviewScotland.com/ 2009 Luxury Hotel of The Year Award. ‘Awards are for the very best, and only the very best. And what pleased us most was the fact that many leading hoteliers and industry people voted for their peers, their heroes - and not for themselves. Consumer generated media and user generated content are here to stay, and grow. That’s why we did it the way we did, and will continue to develop this stance. No glitz no glamour, just honest to goodness best of breed awards recipients seriously intent on developing their businesses and promoting their great messages on the world wide web. Ultimately in this day and age, the ‘public’ are the experts...’
Click here for more information
Breaking news!!!/ We are delighted to announce/ BALBIRNIE WINS 2009 WEDDING HOTEL OF THE YEAR
At Scottish Hotel Awards 2009 celebration dinner in Glasgow on March 1st Balbirnie House was presented with the award for 2009 WEDDING HOTEL OF THE YEAR (LARGE EVENT CATEGORY). Gaynor Russell says ‘We are absolutely over the moon, and are looking forward to another tremendous wedding season ahead. This latest award is a credit to the entire team’.
Wedding Open Day at Balbirnie House/ This Sunday
Wedding Open Day at Balbirnie House/ This Sunday, 8th March. In conjunction with Silver Events Linen Hire, we are hosting Balbirnie’s first ever Wedding Open Day. 12 noon – 4pm. Two wedding ceremonies will be laid out in the Long Gallery and The Orangery. Millenium Ballroom set for wedding breakfast. A few specialist wedding suppliers in attendance, and our wedding co-ordinators will be on hand to discuss any available dates. Canapes and (of course!) a glass of bubbly.
New Sunday Roast/ The Balbirnie Bistro.
Over the last year or so we have been evolving the traditional Sunday lunch menu in Balbirnie’s Orangery. The Orangery is routinely fully booked every week for Sunday Lunch, so by popular demand we are also now introducing a Traditional Sunday Roast in The Balbirnie Bistro, really great value as always/ Starter and main course £12.95
Brand new/ High Teas in The Balbirnie Bistro
For the first time in the history of Balbirnie we are introducing an offering of a Fife favourite, a traditional High Tea. Tea with toast, a Bistro main course, traditional cakes. Weekends only, Saturday and Sunday 3.00pm to 5.30pm, in The Balbirnie Bistro. Starts Saturday 14th March.
30% discount. Introductory OSPREY LODGE LAUNCH PROMOTION SPECIAL!!!
There is an Introductory OSPREY LODGE LAUNCH PROMOTION SPECIAL!!! Rental agent Great North Lodges are offering all available weeks during March and April 09 at Premier APEX rate, which means a 30% discount on the advertised rate. Please phone 01479 812266 for more info, or to book now!!
Balbirnie Highland Retreat/ Osprey Lodge is now fully open for business.
Fancy a great value short break or a 2009 holiday week away in The Cairngorms National Park?/ Osprey Lodge is just the perfect answer and more, now available either by the full week, or at shorter notice by the weekend- Friday, Saturday Sunday nights, or midweek Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights. (Short breaks are available through March and April 09.) To view latest winter photographs please click here.
To reserve the Lodge contact rental agents Stevie Carmichael or Ian Cameron, at Great North Lodges Tel. 01479 812 266, Email: gnl@greatnorthlodges.co.uk
Chef Mark Lindsey/ Bistro new menu/ ‘Top notch nosh!’ / guest comment
As always we continue to evolve our offerings in The Balbirnie Bistro. The word bistro may derive from the Russian быстро (bystro) which means ‘quickly’.
According to urban legend, it entered the French language during the Russian occupation of Paris in 1815. Russian soldiers who wanted to be served quickly would shout ‘bystro’.
In The Balbirnie Bistro we’re always featuring really authentic Bistro cooking, moving with the seasons, using the best we can get from Fife’s natural larder, and as always keeping really great value, starting with our 3 course prix fixe menu at £12.95, latest guest comments-
‘Food is superb’. Ettridge Party
‘Service too fast’. Lyall Party
‘Our welcome was warm and friendly, and the service was excellent. The choice of dishes on the menu was very good and beautifully presented. The quality of ingredients, portions served, and presentation style, all up to the high standard we expected at a top class establishment’. Steve Blaney/ Editor/ Eating out in Fife Guidebook
‘Excellent service, great ambience’. Stewart Party
‘Very friendly and efficient service! Food was beautifully presented. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal’. Willmott Party
‘Excellent meal, top notch nosh, expert service from well trained and finely attired young staff’. Muir Party
2009 ORANGERY RE-LAUNCH, WEEK 1 GUEST COMMENTS
Balbirnie Executive Chef Mark Lindsay and Orangery Head Chef Richard Dalgliesh, together with the entire brigade, have now re-launched the HotelReviewScotland 2008 Hotel Restaurant of the Year, with a challenge of re-defining.., and further enhancing one of the most special dining operations in Fife. A few of the Balbirnie classics from over the years are back. Many thanks to all guests who took the time to fill out questionnaires, as always we really appreciate all feedback.
‘Faultless, and a feeling of peace and relaxation’. Mitchell Party
‘Food absolutely excellent’. Daird Party
‘Excellent new menu, food was wonderful’. Skedzielewski Party
‘Beautifully presented’. Houston Party
‘Very professional’, Bailey Party
‘Prompt, polite, never intrusive... liked inclusion of local ingredients... very good value for the quality of the food, service and surroundings’. MacDonald Party
‘Excellent... great menu’. Kinnes Party
‘A very pleasant experience’. Macnaughton Party
Scotland’s National Hotel Restaurant of the Year/ New Orangery menus start today.
Brand new Orangery menus start today. Balbirnie Executive Chef Mark Lindsay and Orangery Head Chef Richard Dalgliesh re-introduce and re-define Classic Balbirnie in The Orangery. A great focus on the abundance of supplies from Fife’s natural larder, a few newly interpreted classics from Balbirnie over the years, and particularly great value during these challenging times! Cullen Skink, Peppered Fillet Steak with chips, Passionfruit Mousse, are all back on the menu. As always, please do let us know if your visit is for a special occasion. For Orangery reservations please call us on 01592 610066, and to view the new lunch and dinner menus please click here
Weddings at Balbirnie/ First time ever/ on a few dates only/ FREE HONEYMOON OFFER!
Book your big day at Balbirnie in Autumn 2009, or Winter 2010, and receive a completely free honeymoon at The Balbirnie Highland retreat/ Osprey Lodge in The Cairngorms National Park. ‘In an idyllic setting, and one of the most truly romantic destinations in Scotland’. (Offer is for an exclusive use stay at Osprey Lodge, usual minimum wedding numbers apply for the big day itself at Balbirnie, this offer relates to weddings taking place on a few specific remaining dates/ Thurdays in October 2009 (7 night honeymoon, Fridays in January 2010 (6 night honeymoon), and Thursdays in February 2010 (7 night honeymoon)) Terms and conditions apply. For more info on this unique offer please email gaynor@balbirnie.co.uk
VOTE NOW! Balbirnie House is on shortlists in seven independent award categories at the 2009 Hotel Oscars!
HotelReviewScotland Awards. Balbirnie House is on shortlists for the following 2009 awards-
SCOTTISH ROMANTIC HOTEL OF THE YEAR 2009
SCOTTISH COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL OF THE YEAR 2009
SCOTTISH BUSINESS HOTEL OF THE YEAR 2009
THE SCOTTISH LUXURY HOTEL OF THE YEAR 2009
SCOTTISH WEDDING HOTEL OF THE YEAR (LARGE EVENT CATEGORY) 2009
INFORMAL DINING EXCELLENCE AWARD (THE BALBIRNIE BISTRO) 2009
And once again, ... THE SCOTTISH NATIONAL HOTEL RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR (ORANGERY) 2009
Please do feel free to participate in the online vote by simply clicking through on-
About The Scottish Hotel of The Year awards-
Since their launch in 2004, The SHOTY awards, totally funded by and hosted by HotelReview Scotland, have recognised and rewarded leading Scottish hotels large and small, the most innovative ideas and the strongest performers, outstanding hotels in their field - for the past 5 years, winning a SHOTY award has embodied the highest standards within every area of the Scottish hotel sector where there is a key touch point with a customer.
The integrity of SHOTY awards is paramount to their success, as they remain one of the few awards concepts where the winners are voted solely by the industry and its lifeblood – our customers. It is our customers who vote for the winner, ensuring that only the highest of customer care and professional standards, and the ultimate in service, is recognised. Key industry professionals have already made many nominations, and will no doubt feature strongly in the voting process
December 2008. ALAN RUSSELL/ OBITUARY/ THE GLASGOW HERALD.
Nicholas Russell ‘On behalf of our family and all at Balbirnie we thank our clients, colleagues and friends, for the many warm and heartfelt messages received since Alan passed away in September’. To read Alan’s obituary in The Glasgow Herald please click here
‘Hi ho Silver!’ Complimentary Invitation/ Hold that date! Announcing Balbirnie Silver Events Wedding Open Day/ Sunday 8th March 2009
Do you have your special day already booked at Balbirnie House? Or, are you thinking of reserving the house at some point in the future?
Balbirnie House is hosting our first ever Wedding Open Day on Sunday 8th March 2009, 12 noon till 4.00pm.
We always have many clients asking about different setup options, and we do not show the house when weddings are actually taking place, so... on this particular day we are going to prepare the house in conjunction with Silver Events (www.silverevent.co.uk), and it would be lovely if you could come along on the day.
Setups for both ceremony and wedding breakfast... We will be serving complimentary canapés and of course... a glass of bubbly! String quartet and Balbirnie Piper Ian Sword will be in attendance.
The brand new Balbirnie Highland retreat!!! Feb 2009/ OSPREY LODGE opens in The Cairngorms National Park.
Balbirnie Highland retreat/ Looking for a really lovely place for a holiday in 2009, in amongst the most spectacular scenery in Scotland? Balbirnie Director and Osprey Lodge owner Gaynor Russell says ‘When we came across this unique property we knew straight away that it was a very special one, and in turn we decided to purchase it and convert it into one of Scotland’s loveliest and most comfortable rental properties. The location itself is just stunning. Over years to come Osprey Lodge is going to be a destination in which many will enjoy a truly memorable holiday’. (Sleeps up to 8). Osprey Lodge is being managed by specialised letting agent Great North Lodges, visit www.greatnorthlodges.co.uk
THE COURIER/ Balbirnie Weddings/ Staggering increase!
THE COURIER/ DECEMBER 08/ ‘COUPLES IN Fife are not letting financial matters ruin their big day as the wedding industry in the region appears to be coping in the midst of the economic downturn.
Figures from the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages show that the number of civil services taking place in the region appears to be holding steady, with only 59 fewer ceremonies taking place between 2007-2008 than in the previous year. One hotel in the region has actually managed to buck this trend, reporting a staggering increase in the number of weddings... Balbirnie House Hotel in Markinch has seen a 50% increase in the number of bookings compared to last year.
Wolfgang Spenke, Balbirnie operations director, said, "Maybe it's something to do with people becoming more reliant on one another in tough times."I have heard there was a vast increase in marriages during the Great Depression in the 1930s, perhaps in tough economic times people have more of an opportunity to realise what's important in life, and in financial terms that the initial investment and expenditure of a wedding will hopefully be worth it further on down the road."
Gaynor Russell, wedding co-ordinator at Balbirnie, added, "We have been extremely busy in recent years but the level of interest we have had in the current climate has taken us all by surprise."
It is thought that many couples who were previously living separately have been able to save money by tying the knot’.
New Balbirnie Executive Chef is appointed.
We’re delighted to announce that Mark Lindsay will be taking the helm in Balbirnie’s kitchens in January. A role which Mark previously held in Scotland was as Head Chef at Gleneagles. Balbirnie MD Nicholas Russell says ‘This is great news for the team, and great news for our clients. We are very much looking forward to welcoming Mark Lindsay to Balbirnie, and as always we’ll be set to continue evolving our many offerings in The Orangery, The Balbirnie Bistro, and our various banqueting operations. Having previously managed kitchen brigades with numbers and scope significantly in excess of our own, Mark will bring an obvious wealth of management experience to this unique role. We’ll now carry on building on what has been achieved at Balbirnie in culinary terms over the last 2 decades, and 2009 is in particular going to see a further enhancement of our dedication to local suppliers and Fife’s natural larder’.
*GET MORE VALUE FOR YOUR SPECIAL WEDDING DAY – NOW INCLUDING SUNDAY’S IN MAY & JUNE 2009*
It’s pre-requisite that everyone wants a special venue for their wedding day and now, with Balbirnie’s special wedding package, it’s even more affordable. We’re delighted to announce our outstanding value wedding package is available on Sunday’s in May and June 2009, as well as midweek this Winter season. For more details please click here. Make your wedding day a memorable occasion.
AA RESTAURANT GUIDE/ ‘TOP NOTCH’/ CLASSIC BALBIRNIE
AA 2009 RESTAURANT GUIDE/ IMPRESSIVE COOKING IN A GRAND MANSION‘An imposing Georgian Mansion, set in beautiful landscaped parkland, Balbirnie House is one of Scotland’s most important listed buildings, dating back to 1777. Now a luxurious country house hotel, it boasts sumptuous decor... and a choice of restaurants to suit your mood. Both the refurbished Orangery and the more informal Bistro serve top notch food. The contemporary dining room focuses on accomplished classical cuisine... using the very best of Scottish and locally-sourced produce. Beautifully presented dishes might include sea bream, poached langoustine, ratatouille and langoustine cappuccino, or shoulder of blackface lamb, sweetbreads and dauphinoise potatoes. Leave room for a tempting dessert such as passionfruit and mango soufflé, sorbet and crumble’.
CLASSICS ARE BACK/ Scotland's National Hotel Restaurant of the Year/ New Orangery menus/
We’re delighted to introduce our brand new January Orangery menus. As many of our regular clients will know, over the last few months we’ve had a bit of a rollercoaster journey in The Orangery, as we’ve been trying out a few new approaches and introductions. Along the way we’ve also been very proud indeed to be the recipient of Scotland’s top hotel restaurant award.
Some of these new approaches have been tremendously successful, and a few quite frankly have not. Mackerel/ 3 preparations is therefore no more, but lamb with roasted garlic, fondant and pea puree is here to stay.
In terms of our offerings in The Orangery it certainly seems to be the case that certain dishes have a really tremendous appeal to our clients, and others do not. We’ve listened very carefully, and we thank all clients as always for ongoing perspectives.
In turn we’ve now upgraded our menus further, and the scopes have reverted in certain ways back to including many elements of classic Balbirnie, real favourites, tried and tested and offering great value as always.
Wednesday to Saturday
2 course lunch £12.00, 3 courses £16. 00. Traditional 3 course Sunday lunch £19.00
Wednesday to Sunday
Canapes, 3 course feature dinner menu with coffee and white chocolate truffles - £33.00
3 courses £11.95 fixed price/ Balbirnie Bistro new menu.
Click here to download the latest menu for The Balbirnie Bistro. Prix fixe 3 courses £11.95.
Menu coming soon!!
Orangery/ Traditional Sunday Roast is back on the menu.
Every Sunday we will now once again be offering a traditional Sunday Roast in The Orangery.
Click here to download the new Orangery Sunday Lunch menu.
Menu coming soon!!
Summer Indulgence/ Fantastic new offers.
£85 per single room per night, plus... new Summer Indulgence overnight stay. Our brand new accommodation rates are all now bookable online. Just click through on CHECK AVAILABILITY tab.
Balbirnie House/ Scottish Wedding Directory photo shoot.
Scottish Wedding Directory / the latest edition is now on the shop shelves. Balbirnie’s grounds and gardens feature in a 10 page spread.
*STOP PRESS 1 July 2008* / Economic Climate / The Spa at Balbirnie / Development postponed.
After much deliberation Balbirnie's Board of Directors have decided to postpone the £6M Spa development, for the moment. This is entirely due to the many arising factors which are stemming from the current UK economic climate, circumstances obviously entirely beyond our control.
The development is now postponed indefinitely, but we intend to revisit matters as and when the economic climate changes.
We take this opportunity to thank all consultees, everyone involved with the intricate and successful Grade A Listed planning submission, the development team, and in particular the tremendous support from within Fife Business banking/ Clydesdale Bank, who remain as committed as we are ourselves to the evolution of this unique project.
We will very much look forward to one day re-visiting The Spa at Balbirnie, as and when market conditions allow the opportunity to assess the project again.
In the meantime it is very much business exactly as usual at Balbirnie House.
Nicholas Russell/ MD Balbirnie
* This development was intended to have been sited mainly on an area of existing car park, to the North-West and rear of the house. The project may perhaps be a contemplation once again at some point in the future. As such, the relevant plans have been left on our web site for the perusal of any interested parties.
SITE PLANSClick here to download the site plansClick here to download site elevation plans |
BEST SCOTTISH WEDDINGS (Autumn and Winter 2008 Issue)
‘Situated in Markinch Village in Fife, this Grade A-listed Georgian mansion has twice won ‘Wedding Hotel of the Year’, as voted by Hotel Review Scotland. For large weddings, choose from the sophisticated Long Gallery, the gorgeous Orangery, or the Millennium Ballroom which overlooks new gardens. Smaller parties can enjoy several more intimate rooms with real character. For the wedding party, Balbirnie has sumptuous four-poster suites and 30 individually designed bedrooms’.
BALBIRNIE BISTRO/ The all new summer menu is now up and running. Steak frites, moules marinieres, tart au citron!
‘Food and service very good as usual, staff friendly, so pleased I am having my wedding here.’
CAT DEENEY
‘The atmosphere was great & our waitress was very polite & helpful. The food was very well presented & tasted great! We will come again.’
JANIS FOSTER
‘Excellent food, well presented. Extremely friendly staff, nothing too much trouble for them.’
MR & MRS D DUKE
‘Food was great, service good – efficient and friendly struggling to find fault!’
D’ARCY
‘Very Good! We totally enjoyed our meals, the service was very good!’
MARIAN McGREGOR
‘Very good service – lovely meal, waitresses were welcoming and hard working…will definitely be back.’
LINDSAY LETHBRIDGE
‘Excellent service, excellent food, relaxing atmosphere. First visit but will definitely be back, thank you.’
MARGARET HENDERSON
‘Meal was lovely, waiter Grant Ross was very attentive and well mannered overall very nice.’
SANDRA RODDEN
‘Staff very friendly, polite & professionals, food good standard, will come again.’
GINA MORRISON
‘Very professional service, friendly and helpful. Food was excellent.’
S GALLOWAY
‘Very friendly and attentive staff, thoroughly enjoyed food and atmosphere in Bistro! Thanks!’
McCULLOCH
‘Nice atmosphere, busy, good food and service, would definitely come back, helpful friendly staff.’
WHARRIE
‘Warm atmosphere – good quality food, friendly efficient service.’
ALAN DOBBIN
‘Thanks to the expertise of the chef my meal was delicious, my friend really enjoyed the tuna – cooked to perfection – perfect waiting staff…PERFECT.’
E MALCOLMSON
‘Very friendly waitress, food lovely. Haven’t been for a while but would come back soon.’
DEBBIE
‘Excellent service and food!’
ALAN AND JEAN BISHOP
‘Birthday party went well. Bistro staff very helpful & attentive.’
MAHRI
‘Excellent service, good food, relaxed friendly atmosphere.’
A R PYNE
‘Service and quality faultless very enjoyable lunch.’
R BOGLE
‘Good food and service – thank you!!!’
BARRY GARDNER
GAYNOR/ THE SCOTTISH WEDDING DIRECTORY
Making sure the day is perfect. As Balbirnie’s 2008 summer wedding season gets underway, another special mention in The Scottish Wedding Directory for Gaynor Russell. Plus, for all brides-to-be, read all about a real life wedding at Balbirnie House.
Orangery/ latest guest quotes
TASTING ROOM LATEST/ BAR RESET!
‘Wonderful, wonderful meal. Fabulous to be able to share it with such great friends’
MARK & KERRY TURNER
‘...made us all foaming at the mouths – cheers!!! Certainly in my top three meals, ever. Everything was perfect. You can now consider me an ambassador for balbirnie - I've been telling everyone I meet how unique the experience is.’
WALTER NEILSON
‘Wicked’
ADAM AYLOTT
‘As good as it gets. Thank you for the most special treat.’
SIMON & LOUISE BROOK
‘I thought I had the best there was by now, ...just reset the bar to a whole new level!!’
MARCUS & KAY BROOK
ORANGERY LATEST
‘This ... is the finest distillation of fine cooking – stunning!!’
HILARY MARSHALL
‘It was very exciting! It’s so refreshing to have a restaurant of this calibre in Fife. I have really enjoyed my evening here. Thank you!’
MRS ALEXANDER
‘Great food and presentation, lunch specifically great value – service better every visit!’
DAVE MILLER
‘Amazing food, unusual – not ‘run of the mill’ restaurant food. Excellent quality amazing value for money’
JOANNE WILLIAMS
‘Thank you for only such an effort – Better than the Oriental in Bangkok – well done!’
DAVID LAWSON
‘Fantastic food & service’
R CONNOR
‘Great food & service’
JIMMY NICHOLSON
‘Fantastic food and beautiful house’
REBECCA & GRANT BROOKS
‘A superb meal – flavoursome & some more!’
JIM & MARION REID
‘A truly enjoyable experience. Michelin here we come!’
N & W PHILLIPS
‘We have thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The food was delicious!’
P STORR & J DIXON
‘Fab food, friendly atmosphere – thank you’
MCGAVIGIN PARTY
‘EXCELLENT! Food fantastic – hotel beautiful – staff very courteous’
C MCKEOWN & K CURRIE
‘Meal was good, service was even better! Brilliant cocktails!’
G MELDRUM & C RODGER
‘Excellent food.’
MR & MRS RONNIE
‘Very helpful receptionists, food very good, service wonderful’
MR & MRS COOK & FAMILY
‘Excellent food and service!! Well done’
MR & MRS SPIRIE
‘Lovely staff, beautiful room, delicious food’
CATHERINE HARDY
‘Fantastic – relaxation personified & wonderful food!’
VAL FAIRBAIRN
‘Michelin star on its way!!’
JIM DONNACHIE
‘No Michelin star yet???’
SEAN O’REILLY
‘Food & service were phenomenal – taste sensation!’
MR & MRS SADIN
‘What fantastic food and service, we will be back!’
MR & MRS BRUNTON
‘Absolutely enjoyed the whole experience and will return very soon’
G MCKEOWN
‘Excellent food & service, plenty of room round tables.’
ANONYMOUS
‘Lunch excellent’
J F SWANSON
‘The food is amazing…’
MARK ALEXANDER
‘Meal excellent…a good evening, would come again’
JOHN MCNAB
‘Very welcoming and relaxing experience’
MR & MRS CRUICKSHANK
‘Everything first class’
J & E RYAN
‘Stunning, excellent fusions of flavour, excellent! Very relaxed and enjoyable. Stunning rooms from start to finish of the night’
JOCELYN FOGGIE
‘Absolutely amazing talent, best ever, and I have been to Le Manoir Aux Quat Saisons (Raymond Blanc!) Oxfordshire’
REID/BERRY PARTY
‘Very attentive staff – not obtrusive, food – amazing combination of tastes and textures’
MCKENZIE PARTY
PHENOMENAL THEATRE - TASTING ROOM
MORE TASTING ROOM GUEST COMMENTS
MARK HENDERSON ‘Saturday night was simply awesome. The food was as good as I have ever tasted and the room was perfect, we learned exactly what it is like to be in a busy professional kitchen. The hotel has benefitted greatly from this latest addition. I must commend the decision to be so bold and even brave to bring something so unique to such a wee part of Scotland. Thanks and well done!’
RHONA PATISON ‘Amazing! Loved it’.
BRIAN PATERSON ‘A great evening. Cheers!!!’
THE BEST INVESTMENT A COMPANY CAN MAKE? THE SUNDAY TIMES BUSINESS SECTION/ WIN A CONFERENCE STAY FOR 12 PEOPLE AT BALBIRNIE HOUSE
The Sunday Times, in conjunction with Balbirnie House Hotel, is offering businesses the opportunity to win a deluxe conference package for up to 12 people, including dinner and overnight stay.
Balbirnie House is a multi-award-winning country house hotel acknowledged as one of Scotland’s finest privately owned small luxury hotels.
The package includes:
- Day use of Balbirnie’s contemporary boardroom and business centre, integrated audiovisual equipment
- Refreshments throughout the day, 2 course lunch, afternoon homebaking
- Pre dinner Balbirnie Lenoble Champagne reception
- Dinner @ The Orangery
- Accommodation, full Scottish breakfast
(The offer is subject to hotel availability.)
To win this prize, please answer the following question:
Where in Scotland is Balbirnie House? Entries to- Balbirnie House competition, Sunday Times, 6th Floor, Guild Hall, 57 Queen Street, Glasgow, G1 3EN. Closing date April 4th.
The best investment? Enhancement of productivity, cost-savings, new sales ideas, consolidation within structures, an opportunity to fully reflect, an opportunity to plan for the future...
Balbirnie MD Nicholas Russell comments: ‘It was great to see Balbirnie featuring in the Sunday Times Business Section in this way. Many companies totally realise the real benefits of having an event such as the prize on offer, after the occasion. Companies which use Balbirnie in this context can look to regard an event like this as a real investment. From our own end some of the best ideas our team has ever put into practice have come from similar occasions’.
‘‘PHENOMENAL THEATRE’’/ TASTING ROOM
The Tasting Room is now officially open. This is the first table in the UK to ever sit as close to the action as this. (To reserve please email erin@balbirnie.co.uk )
First guest/ Anastasia Russell- ‘Thank you ..., and best wishes for the most special dining table in the land. I will never forget this night’.
Dr H Stewart- ‘Unique experience, total team work and dedication, 3+ Michelin Stars… Stunned!!!!’
Gavin Henderson- ‘Exceptional! I loved every surprise along the way’.
Muriel Henderson- ‘WOW! Phenomenal food and theatre’.
Bruce Henderson- ‘Superbly crafted combinations. Looking forward to coming back’.
Sarah Henderson- ‘Outstanding! Foodie heaven!’
Paul Henderson- ‘Pure, dead brilliant!!’
David & Alison Reid- ‘Very enjoyable, and taking a new direction in a very interesting way’.
Mr & Mrs Keatings- ‘The last time I tasted flavours like this was in the French Laundry. Simply fantastic!’
BALBIRNIE MD/ INSTITUTE OF DIRECTORS SCOTLAND AWARDS
Nicholas Russell made the final 3 shortlist for DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR/ FIFE AND CENTRAL SCOTLAND.
Congratulations to eventual winner Philip Ritchie/ MD of Fife based Lomond Homes Ltd (www.lomondgroup.com ), winner’s trophy and finalist certificates were presented at a glittering awards dinner for Scotland’s most influential company directors at Glasgow’s Crowne Plaza Hotel.
CHRISTIE AND CO CORPORATE FINANCE NEWS, March 2008
‘‘CEMENT THE POSITION’’
CCF ASSISTS BALBIRNIE HOUSE DEVELOPMENT, by Mark Stevens, Managing Director, Christie Corporate Finance
Acting for the hotel’s private owners, Christie Corporate Finance assisted in the provision of project funding to enable the extension of the renowned Balbirnie House Hotel in Fife. The hotel is now able to significantly extend its facilities, by developing a £5 million Spa and additional bedrooms.
The 30-room hotel, which is set in 400 acres of parkland... is widely acknowledged as one of the finest privately-owned luxury hotels in Scotland. The hotel has won many accolades...
Norman Cockburn, Director of Valuation Services for Christie + Co, who is based in Edinburgh, has had a long relationship with the owners and the hotel, having undertaken several valuations of the business in recent years. Realising that Christie Corporate Finance could help secure the required level of funding to make the planned development a reality, he introduced us to the owners.
After discussions with a number of potential funders, we were able to introduce Clydesdale Bank ... and, once planning permission was obtained in late June 2007, they confirmed their commitment to the project.
The Spa development is scheduled to start in early 2008 and opens in late (summer) 2009. It will cement the hotel’s position as one of the finest privately-owned hotels in Scotland.
Mark Stevens/ www.christiecorporate.com
Balbirnie Bistro adds Sunday Roast.
Full traditional Sunday Roast is now on offer every week in The Balbirnie Bistro.
Steve Blaney, Editor of The Eating Out in Fife Guidebook, visits The Orangery
As editor of ‘Eating Out in Fife’ my wife and I eat out in over 100 restaurants all over Fife throughout the year. Although all the restaurants in our guide offer a pleasant and memorable eating experience, there are some venues which we enjoy more than others and Balbirnie House is one of our favourites.
Over the years we have watched the steady development and evolution from your early days, which was always good, to the superbly refined machine that delivers what can only be described as the model of excellence to which others must try to aspire. The uniqueness of Balbirnie is the subtle combination of friendliness with never oversteps the mark, and superb service which can only be attained by those who know what the standards are in dining excellence.
Whether you decide to dine in the Bistro – which offers that pleasant combination of a casual atmosphere combined with soft lights and friendly service, or the elegance of ‘The Orangery’ where the dining experience is a pure delight, you will want to return and enjoy the experience again.
On our last visit, we had the pleasure of chatting with ..., who shared with us his enthusiasm for the innovative improvements he hopes to make to make a superb dining experience even better. We had the pleasure of choosing our lunch from his new menu which is both exciting and affordable to everyone. We have yet to enjoy a dinner with you - but we are already looking forward to that experience.
Hope to enjoy the Balbirnie experience again soon – till then keep up the good work.
Feb 2008 NEW AWARD! We are absolutely delighted to announce The Orangery is the recipient of HotelReviewScotland.com award-2008 NATIONAL HOTEL RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR.
Balbirnie’s Operations Manager Wolfgang Spenke says ‘With only 6 weeks opening period under our belt this is simply tremendous for the entire brigade of The Orangery to now be the recipient of this major National Award. We are very proud indeed to receive this’.
The award itself was presented following a Broadway-themed show hosted by the BBC's Sally Magnusson, later featuring Pop Idol winner Michelle McManus and showtunes group StarStruck. Cabinet Secretary John Swinney represented the Scottish Government. The glittering awards ceremony for 450 of Scotland’s top hoteliers was held at Edinburgh’s 5-star Prestonfield House.
... says ‘This will be recognised as a significant step on the journey, we’ve only really just started, the award is a credit for the team and we will now build on this’. Tasting Room opens soon, for bookings for this unique 2 to 6 cover table please email: erin@balbirnie.co.uk
The Awards Panel & Judges of The Scottish Hotels of the Year 2008
Judges
Gary McLean, Chairman (Editor, HotelReviewScotland.com)
Vivien Devlin, Deputy Chairman (Editor, HotelReviewEdinburgh.com)
Louise Farquhar (Editor, HotelReviewGlasgow.com)
Wendy Barrie (Director, ScottishFoodGuide.com)
Awards Panel
Robert Gilmour (Managing Director, CaliNet Ltd)
Graham Isdale (TrimediaHC International PR)
Sally Toms (Editor, Scotland Magazine)
Lorna Leckie (Executive Editor, Scottish Wedding Directory)
Tony Fasson (Restaurant Relations Scotland, TopTable.co.uk)
Dominic Roscrow (Contributor / former Editor, Whisky Magazine)
David Young (former AA Chief Hotels Inspector)
Brian Smith (Reviewer, HotelReviewScotland.com)
Lynda Paton (Reviewer, HotelReviewScotland.com)
Bryan Dougan (BusinessContinuityScotland.com)
Johanna & Gilbert Summers (ExtraMileScotland.com)
Arthur McGough (Reviewer, HotelReviewScotland.com)
Sara McMillan (Reviewer, HotelReviewScotland.com)
Katie Gould (Reviewer, HotelReviewScotland.com)
Name withheld (VisitScotland QA inspector)
Ron Mackenna (Food Reviewer, The Herald)
Alex Buchanan (Editor, Catering in Scotland)
Marie-Claire James (Manager, ScotHot 2009)
Paul Wilson (Xpress Recruitment, HIT Scotland)
Colin Donald (Business Correspondent, The Scotsman)
Balbirnie MD Nicholas Russell makes the final shortlist for Institute of Directors Awards/ 2008 Director of The Year for Fife and Central Scotland.
IoD Scotland Executive Director David Watt, ‘The Awards provide a perfect platform for Scottish business leaders to be rewarded and recognised for their achievements and valuable contribution to the economy. They are unique in that they recognise excellence demonstrated by Scottish directors across all three sectors and from all different sizes of organisation. It is important that their leadership and the contribution they make to business success and Scotland’s prosperity is publicly acknowledged. This demonstrates increased recognition for the number of hardworking, ambitious individuals who are making a valuable contribution to our nation’s economy.’ More info from www.iodscotland.com
The Platinum Plate has been awarded.
The 2nd Critic Review Gary Maclean- Editor of HotelReviewScotland- personally drops in for lunch at Balbirnie – The Orangery'
'This is now one of the best restaurants in Scotland. Period’. To read more please click here to go through to HotelReview Balbirnie page
JUST 2 WEEKS IN AND THE FIRST CRITICAL REVIEW.
Britain’s leading investigative food journalist Joanna Blythman features The Orangery in The Sunday Herald with 10 out of 10.
Balbirnie Managing Director is up for a big award!
Nicholas Russell, Balbirnie’s Managing Director, has been nominated for an award as part of the Institute of Directors Scotland, Director of the Year Awards.
Nicholas is nominated as-
DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR FOR FIFE AND CENTRAL SCOTLAND
Nominees and finalists for this unique accolade will be acknowledged during an Awards Ceremony at the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow on 6th March. Awards are presented to the top directors within the public, private and voluntary sectors across Scotland. www.iod.com
Nicholas says ‘I am honoured indeed to be nominated for this award and as always my sincere thanks go to my fellow company directors and the entire Balbirnie brigade. I can’t begin to say what a pleasure it has been to have personally managed and developed this unique hotel over the last 15 years, and to have had the opportunity to work with so many talented and dedicated people. Our business has for sure been through particularly progressive times over the last few years, and this will continue and indeed accelerate further as we now move to create what will in all probability be the final additions we will ever make to the house, with The Spa at Balbirnie, a brand new £5M facility opening in 2009. This Spa is going to be the best facility of its kind in Scotland’.
Guest comments - week 2 - The Orangery
‘Very friendly staff. Great food’.
MATT WEEDON / GLENAPP CASTLE
‘Dear ..., we would like to record our thanks for the wonderful and creative cuisine. We came for the weekend after reading your inspirational story in The Sunday Times. We are sure it won’t be long before you achieve your first (of 3) Michelin Stars’.
ANDREW AND EMMA MORRISON
‘Beautifully presented’.
RAITT PARTY
‘A feast to the eye and taste buds. Definately a master in his field’.
AIMA DATSUN
‘A class above anything I have experienced’.
KENNETH McGUIRE
‘An excellent meal in beautiful surroundings’.
EILEEN PRINGLE
‘Highly innovative. The chocolate doughnut dessert was absolutely outstanding’.
SIMON AND KIRSTY FORREST
‘I had read the write-up in The Sunday Times... meals at La Colombe d’Or, Orient Express and Waterside Inn came to mind. It was with eager anticipation that I entered The Orangery, however I am now speechless. The standard was higher than expected and certainly better than I have experienced before... Three Michelin stars are well deserved- people will make special journeys for the experience’.
DR H STEWART
‘The tasting menu with wine was a wonderful experience served by first class staff... an excellent relaxing evening’.
DAVID AND ISOBEL DICK
‘A fantastic meal’.
TOM CAMPBELL
‘Amazing food.. amazing value. Can’t beat it, 1st class’.
JOANNE WILLIAMS
‘One of the best nights away I have ever had. Food amazing. Staff fantastic’.
NIKKOLA TAYLOR
‘As for the new chef- wow! We will remember the exquisite food for a long time’.
ANDREW AND EMMA MORRISON
Guest comments - week 1 - The Orangery
‘10 out of 10 for ambience, 10 for service, 15 out of 10 for the meal itself. In my opinion the best/ most professional culinary experience in Scotland today!!!’
MAURICE TAYLOR (visiting Professor/ The Scottish Hotel School)
‘A brilliant chef... A fantastic experience, ... skills are remarkable and he well deserves to have Michelin Stars awarded’.
LANCE SHARPUS-JONES/ Inverarity Vaults Fine Wines
‘A London dining experience in Fife’.
PEEBLES PARTY
‘Flavours, presentation and service all excellent’.
CARLOS ALBA/ EDITOR SUNDAY TIMES SCOTLAND
‘The Dinner super!!! Truly a wonderful step forward for Balbirnie’.
GRILLI PARTY
‘Remarkable food in a wonderfully friendly atmosphere’.
CLAIRE MUIRHEAD/ THE COURIER
‘Superb, a delight for the palate’.
BALLANTYNE PARTY
‘Fantastic meal from start to finish. .. All agreed the finest meal we have had’.
JOHNSTON AND LINN PARTY
‘A truly wonderful experience. Food artistry and flavour combinations of the highest order... Culinary creations which resemble works of art AND, also taste amazing’.
DAVID HO
‘Fantastic value for money. Menu offered something for everyone. Particularly loved the petit fours’.
WILKIE PARTY
‘The food was fantastic... There is a buzz in the hotel and amongst the staff. 1st class staff. One of the best meals we have ever had, a benchmark for what is good’.
IAIN CAMPBELL/ George Campbell and Sons (Fishmongers)
Scotland’s most special dining table?
The Tasting Room is now en route!
Brand new for February 2008 we’ll be introducing Scotland’s first ever (directly pass adjacent) purpose-built chef’s kitchen dining table, a totally unique private tasting room for 4 to 6 covers only, which is located directly alongside our main hot kitchen plating area.
Diners will be able to watch through a 3 metre stretch of limo glass, and also (should they so wish) hear all goings on in the kitchen during service via microphone pickup.
The Tasting Room features a black granite topped table, soft gun metal grey Scottish leather banquette seating, temperature controlled climate, with same decor styled as our Orangery.
Available lunch or dinner. Special Introductory pricing for Tasting Room./ Tasting menu £70pp, tasting menu with wines £100pp.
To reserve please email Special Events Coordinator Erin Walsh erin@balbirnie.co.uk
2008 HOTEL AWARDS!
We’re delighted to say that Balbirnie House has made the shortlist for awards at Scotland’s annual hotel Oscars ceremony, run by HotelReviewScotland, in the following categories-
- RISING STAR OF THE YEAR/ LARGE HOTEL CATEGORY
- SCOTTISH HOTEL DESIGN OF THE YEAR
- WEDDING HOTEL OF THE YEAR/ LARGE CATEGORY
- HOSPITALITY AWARD/ FRIENDLY SERVICE OF THE YEAR
- And for Balbirnie’s Orangery, HOTEL RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
If you would like to vote for Balbirnie House please click through on-
www.scottishhotelsoftheyear.com
You can visit HotelReviewScotland at www.hotelreviewscotland.com
A most unusual photograph
Seeing as we are on this ‘psychic footing’, we take this opportunity to refer to the most unusual wedding photograph we have ever seen from Balbirnie House. Taken on the south lawns, this photograph has been originally and fully validated by a professional photographer, Ivan Graham of Catch Photography, Kirkcaldy, who confirms that it has not been digitally tampered with in any way.
We’ve certainly not ever seen anything like it.
The owner of the camera which took the snap is Laura McKenzie.
The three people in the photo from left to right are Laura McKenzie, Susie Hanson and Paula Marrian. All of them have given permission to use this photo. Nobody knows who the fourth person is.
Gaynor Russell has been nominated for coordinator of the year for the Vows awards this year
We are pleased to announce that Gaynor has been nominated for a Vows award - Venue Coordinator of the year.
TRAVEL: A perfect place to celebrate
Glenrothes.it must be a million miles from paradise. Right? Wrong - paradise is actually just up the road. There's one of the prettiest parkland golf courses you'll ever see, a spider's web of woodland walks, and a breathtaking collection of rhododendrons. And in the middle, a hotel so luxurious you'll think you're dreaming. Welcome to Balbirnie House!
Balbirnie spa
The £5M Balbirnie spa has now been granted official planning permission. 17 August 2007, this lovely new addition to the rear of the existing house in the parkland is confirmed, development commences early 2008, opens late Spring 2009. In the meantime, business as usual!
FIFE’S ORANGERY MAKES TOP 5 MOST ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS July 2007
The Orangery at Balbirnie House has been chosen as one of the Scotsman’s most romantic Scottish restaurants.
Sweeping up the impressive driveway of this 416-acre estate visitors can only imagine what might lie behind those imposing front columns of the Georgian mansion. Renovated in art-deco style and offering modern European fare with a seafood emphasis. Service is friendly and discreet.
If romance is in the air you might want to skip the mouth watering garlic studded loin of lamb. But be sure to take coffee in the cosy lounge afterwards, where romance obviously kindles amongst soft furnishing and petit fours. Another coffee sir?
