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Congratulations to Kara and Alistair Cole
Many congratulations to Kara and Alistair Cole who celebrated their marriage at Balbirnie on 29th December 2011.
Photo by Sam Williamson photography
Congratulations to Mrs Laura-Anne and Mr Chris Taggerty
A big congratulations from the team to Mrs Laura-Anne and Mr Chris Taggerty who celebrated their marriage with us on Sat 11th June.
Congratulations to Susan Filsell and Grant Alexander
Congratulations to Susan Filsell and Grant Alexander who marred at Balbirnie on Thursday 27 October.
Congratulations to Helen Smith and Mark Broughton
Helen Smith and Mark Broughton celebrated their wedding at Balbirnie on Friday 23 September.
Congratulations to Amy and Andrew Burnett
Amy and Andrew Burnett married at Balbirnie on Friday 29 July.
Congratulations to Karen Ray and Gordon Murray
Karen Ray and Gordon Murray celebrated their special day at Balbirnie on Saturday 30 July 2011.
Congratulations to Kelly Mackay and Craig Potter
Congratulations to Kelly Mackay and Craig Potter who married at Balbirnie on Friday 16 September.
Balbirnie Xmas Emporium event raises £880 for charity.
Another two successful ladies Christmas shopping and lunch days held at Balbirnie on 14/15 November. Many happy ladies left the building with some lovely additional presents bought and scored off the Xmas shopping list! The raffle held after lunch each day raised a wonderful £880 for British Heart Foundation Scotland so many thanks to everyone who participated. If you would like to be added to our mailing list for next year, please email rosemary@balbirnie.co.uk
Congratulations to Mr Brian and Mrs Fiona Vaughan
A huge congratulations to the new Mr Brian and Mrs Fiona Vaughan who celebrated their marriage at Balbirnie on 27 August 2011.
Pic by Alan Rennie Photography
Osprey Lodge
‘Amazing house of Escapism’- Latest Guest comments
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Congratulations to Sally and David
Congratulations to Sally and David who celebrated their marriage at Balbirnie on Saturday 24 September.
Congratulations to Kelly and David
Congratulations from the Balbirnie team to Kelly and David who celebrated their wedding day on 9th September.
Photo by Chameleon Photography
Congratulations to Caroline and Steven
A big congratulations to Caroline and Steven who had a wonderful wedding at Balbirnie on Saturday 10 September.
Photo by Elemental Weddings
Congratulations to Karis and Paul
Congratulation to Karis and Paul who celebrated their marriage at Balbirnie on Friday 26 August.
Photos by Images of Morningside
Congratulations to Nicola and Shane
Congratulation, a lovely day for a lovely couple, Nicola and Shane.
Congratulations to James and Tracey
Congratulations to James and Tracey who celebrated their big day at Balbirnie on Thursday 11 August 2011.
Balbirnie/ Tripadvisor Excellence
Balbirnie/ Tripadvisor Excellence. We are delighted to convey the news that Balbirnie House has been awarded a Certificate of Excellence by Tripadvisor.
Balbirnie’s Ice Cream goes National.
Scotland's Most Luxurious Ice Cream. Designed by Chefs, for Chefs.
We are delighted to announce that our Caledonian Dairy Ice Creams, which we have been progressing with since 2008, are now to be distributed across Scotland by Clarks Speciality Foods, who are the leading supplier of premium products to Scotland's top hotels, restaurants and gourmet shops.
As always my thanks and gratitude to every member of the brigade who has been involved with this. There have been many people involved in one way or another on the complexity of this evolving project, I would especially like to convey sincere appreciation to Ian MacDonald Exec Chef St Andrews Links Trust and Alan Gibb Exec Chef Gleneagles, both of whom were previously Exec Chef at Balbirnie, Mark Lindsey current Exec Chef here, Balbirnie Ops Manager Kenneth Wilkie, John Riederer of Riederer Hospitality, and Alastair Clark and Pierre Leger of Clarks.
For orders- (and we commence with Vanilla, Strawberry and Chocolate) - http://www.clarksfoods.co.uk/
Best wishes,
Nicholas/ MD Balbirnie House
The Caledonian Ice creams are-
- The finest commercially available in Scotland.
- The most luxurious in terms of both creaminess and flavour concentration.
- Superb for banquet and restaurant compatibility.
- Wonderful for margin enhancement.
- Outstanding value.
So what makes the difference? Four things mainly-
- Ingredients. The finest ingredients are locally sourced wherever possible.
- Definition. Our strawberry ice cream is packed with real strawberries, and our chocolate ice cream uses the finest Belgian chocolate. The ethos carries through with Madagascan flecked vanilla.
- Yield. The ice cream is handmade in small batches ensuring that the required consistency and quality are always guaranteed. By churning in very small batches we produce an ice cream which is wonderfully smooth and rich. No additional air is ‘filtered in’ during churning; we therefore have a fantastic 25% + yield of 46 scoops per 4 litre tub. (It is worth mentioning in passing that other ice creams which do have extra added air can yield less than 34 scoops per 4 litre tub.)
- Practicality. Our base mix of milk, cream and sugar is formulated to give an ice cream which will always scoop directly from an ice cream freezer, but will still hold its shape with longevity.
The Caledonian Dairy ice creams were designed by chefs, for chefs.
www.thecaledoniankitchens.co.uk
Congratulations to Katherine and Graham
Congratulations to Katherine and Graham who married at Balbirnie on 14th July 2011.
congratulations to Francesca and Jaie Lawrie
We send our congratulations to Francesca and Jaie Lawrie married at Balbirnie on Saturday 16th July.
Photo courtesy of Catch photography.
Congratulations to Luke and Constance
Congratulations to Luke and Constance who celebrated their wedding at Balbirnie on 4th July 2011
Credit photo to www.michaelarmstrongphotography.ca
Congratulations to Caroline and Phill
Caroline and Phill married at Balbirnie on 4th February – congratulations from all the team!
(photo by George Lammie)
Congratulations to Natalie and Pete
We send our congratulations to Natalie and Pete who married at Balbirnie on 13 May 2011.
Congratulations to Sammy and Mark
Our congratulations to Sammy and Mark who celebrated their wedding at Balbirnie on Monday 30 May.
Hotel Management Contracts
Our company has a new offering available to hotels throughout the UK.
Please click on the HMC tab on the right hand side of our homepage.
The base services provide scope for the creation of significant cost savings, and truly comprehensive accounts packaging.
Best wishes,
Nicholas
MD Balbirnie
E: nicholas@balbirnie.co.uk
Caledonian Kitchens Ice Cream
Balbirnie's ice cream factory is now supplying a variety of properties across central Scotland, with our freezer vans delivering throughout Fife, Perthshire and the Lothians.
Premises supplied range from 5 Red Star destinations, to hotels, restaurants, cafes, and golf clubhouses.
The 32 ice creams and 26 sorbets are the most luxurious to be manufactured in Scotland, with that comment being passed based specifically upon physical composition and definition of flavour.
For more information please visit http://www.thecaledoniankitchens.co.uk/
I would be delighted to arrange to visit any premises interested in taking this range of products on board.
E: kenneth@balbirnie.co.uk Operations Manager
Any Executive/ Head Chefs wishing to discuss how the range best incorporates additionally into creating wonderful permutations for banqueting in particular-
E: mark@balbirnie.co.uk Exec Chef
Congratulations to Kavita and Jamie McRori
Kavita and Jamie McRorie celebrated their marriage at Balbirnie on Friday 27 May.
Photo – Lifetime Photography
Congratulations to Lauren and matt
Congratulations to Lauren and Matt who married at Balbirnie at Friday 20th May.
Photo courtesy of MirrorBox Photography
Congratulations to Kirsty and Scott Wilson
A big congratulations from the team here to Kirsty and Scott Wilson who celebrated their marriage with us at Balbirnie on Saturday 14th May.
Photo courtesy of Catch Photography
Congratulations to Tara and Mark Flattery
Congratulations to Tara and Mark Flattery who celebrated their big day at Balbirnie on Sunday 24 April 2011.
Picture - credit Lewis Houghton
Congratulations to Cassie and Alex Staines
Cassie and Alex married at Balbirnie on Friday 29 April – a wonderful day for all concerned.
Picture - photo by David Stothard
Congratulations to Sandra and Kenneth
Sandra and Kenneth McGuire on the occasion of their marriage at Balbirnie on Saturday 9 April.
April 2011. Hotel of the Year Awards. The champagne corks pop once more!
We are quite simply overjoyed to announce that, at The 2011 Scottish Hotel of the Year Awards, which are The Oscars for our industry, Balbirnie House has once again received the accolade of 'Large Wedding Hotel of the Year'. This is the 4th year out of 6 (runner up in the other 2 years) that Balbirnie has been awarded this tremendous industry accolade, and it is set against the competition from every relevant competitor venue in the country, as such to say the very least we are very humbled and proud to be the recipients once again.
Balbirnie's Operations Manager Kenneth Wilkie says 'this latest 2011 award is testament to all the focussed and dedicated work which goes in, from Gaynor and Meghan in our wedding department at initial and planning stages, all the way through the one-off journey which each and every wedding client has in the lead-up to the special day itself, and the services then delivered by our housekeeping, front-of-house, kitchen and banquet brigades. We all recognise that in this context especially- 'today is not a dress rehearsal for tomorrow', and that never rings more true when dealing with what can be the complexity of large weddings. Balbirnie House itself is obviously a totally stunning backdrop, and in the last year in particular we have continued to totally embrace the reality of the economic climate, and the restrictions that can bring to client budgets, especially if they have been saving for the special day for years and years. We are acknowledging fully that it is more and more important to be offering absolutely superb value and financial accessibility for all clients. We are obviously perfectly placed to cater for any budget at all, but as a start point affordability is very much the key'.
Balbirnie Director Gaynor Russell, who was Scotland's 2010 Hotelier of the Year, says- 'Every single member of the team has played an important part in this tremendous award, and we would also like to pay tribute in particular to Rob Thomson of Lifetime Photography, Craig Hunter and all involved with in-house band Callanish, and the many specialists who assist us and our clients on a daily basis via our in-house wedding suppliers list. As always, our grateful thanks to one and all. I'd also like to pay a very personal compliment to my colleague and dear friend Meghan Davies, who has been working beside me in our wedding planning department now for 5 years'.
For more information on weddings at Balbirnie House meghan@balbirnie.co.uk
Celebrations. 4 AA Red Stars retained
We are absolutely delighted to announce that, following the rigours of the annual inspection process, Balbirnie House has again been awarded 4 Red Stars. This is the 17th year in a row in which the team have celebrated the receipt of one of the hotel industry's very top accolades. The Automobile Association employ the most comprehensive consideration process, applying exact criteria which either fulfil the great complexity of the award requirements, or do not. This year Balbirnie was inspected by the Head of Scotland area, who said 'the hospitality was excellent, and standards of performance very much fulfilled the Red Star requirements'.
Balbirnie's Operations Manager Kenneth Wilkie says 'Yet again the premises and the team have delivered the benchmarking applied by the AA. Frankly, this is one of the very few inspection formats which segment all aspects of what we do, and report on that basis. Hence the fundamentals are rather different to the likes of some particular websites which allow anonymous postings and reviews from unquantifiable sources. The awarding of Red Stars once again underlines Balbirnie's reality, and this sits hand in hand with our own 'in-house' TripAdviser, which collates information which we use to post monthly guest comments from clients who are real, and who we know have actually visited'. Kenneth continues- 'In the context of this award this year I'd like to pay particular tribute to Steven Cowper, Joe Maliska and Dick Halley, who over the winter months have done a really tremendous job of helping maintain, refresh and refurbish our guest areas in a manner to which the AA inspection process at this level has been accustomed to'.
GRILLED RETURNS!
My apologies for the lack of Grilling in the last 12 months, but the monthly recipes will now return as we head into High Grilling season in May.
This year, already in the pipeline- we'll be in pursuit of the tastiest ever American-competition-inspired barbecued ribs, and we'll be inventing a brand new recipe for Grilled mussels, perfect for a BBQ on Kinshaldy beach (by Leuchars)... surely one of the most incredibly beautiful and stunning beaches in Scotland, and just half an hour from Balbirnie...
We'll also be focussing on line caught hot smoked trout. Following the 2010 introduction and expertise from Dave 'the fish' Brown in our banquet kitchen, which compressed a lifetime of fishing experience into something a few of us amateurs could just begin to grasp with a few very informed lessons, each Tuesday afternoon... subject to the weather, Balbirnie's newly taught fishing posse embark out to the wilds in search of Scotland's trout, hence why we now have so much of a feature of these on banquet menus, daily canapés and specials! (The record fish so far for 2011 is 7lbs, caught of course by Dave!)
Best wishes,
Nicholas/ MD Balbirnie
Balbirnie shortlist- World Travel Awards
Voted by travel agents worldwide, Balbirnie has been placed on the shortlist for the award of- '2011/ SCOTLAND'S LEADING GOLF RESORT'.
From within Balbirnie's Special Event Department Rosemary Spenke considers that this new status may have something to do in particular with the success of last year's golf season, saying 'as well as the proximity of the superb course within Balbirnie Park, we also have some 100 courses within an hour's drive. With The Open being held last year just up the road at St Andrews, The Home of Golf, 2010 was one of our best years for golf, and long may that continue in 2011. Our location in the heart of Fife is simply perfect for golf groups, and as a previous recipient of The Golf International Hotel of the Year we are well placed to advise on group itineraries'.
For Balbirnie's special golf rates please contact rosemary@balbirnie.co.uk
Congratulations to ROZ and ROSS
Congratulations to Roz McLoughlin and Ross Wood who celebrated their marriage at Balbirnie on 12th November 2010.
Congratulations to Sarah and Christian
Many congratulations and best wishes to Sarah Wallace and Christian Kitching who married at Balbirnie on Saturday 5th February 2011.
Photography by Allan Shedlock Photography
Balbirnie’s latest newsletter
Balbirnie House Forthcoming Special Events and Latest News
Balbirnie raise £833.60 in aid of CHAS.
The raffle which we held during our two day Christmas Emporium ladies' day event in November raised a whopping £833.60 in aid of CHAS Rachel House. Many thanks to everyone who contributed.
Congratulations to Alison and Stuart
Best wishes to the brand new Mr and Mrs Donald who married at sunny Balbirnie on Saturday 30th October 2010.
Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Leslie
Congratulations to Emma Mei-li and Paul who celebrated their marriage at Balbirnie on Sunday 10th October 2010.
Congratulations to Heather and Robbie
A huge congratulations to Mr and Mrs Birrell who celebrated their marriage at Balbirnie on Friday 31st October 2010.
Christmas Party Night spaces still available
Friday 3, Thursday 16, Monday 20, Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 23 December
2011/ Late Availability / Saturday Wedding Dates!
Due to unexpected circumstances we now have two Saturday dates available for weddings in spring 2011 - Saturday 12th February (for a special Valentine’s wedding, and this date is available with our fantastic value Platinum package @ £52.95 per person on our all-inclusive package), and also Saturday 9th April (a lovely time of year at Balbirnie with daffodils galore!). Special rates apply for both dates.
For more info on both dates please email gaynor@balbirnie.co.uk or give us a ring on 01592 610066.
Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Ellingford
Many congratulations to Jennifer and Chris who were married here at Balbirnie on Saturday 31st July 2010.
Congratulations to Catriona and Christian
A big congratulations to Catriona and Christian Bruce who were married here at Balbirnie on Friday 15th October 2010
Congratulations to Lisa and Andrew
The Balbirnie team would like to offer their congratulations to Mr and Mrs Lisa and Andrew Urquhart who celebrated the occasion of their marriage at Balbirnie House on Friday 1st October.
September Newsletter 2010
Balbirnie House Forthcoming Special Events and Latest News
2011/ late availability/ Saturday wedding
Due to unexpected circumstance we have a Saturday now available for a wedding in early 2011, Saturday 12th February. A special time of year, over Valentines weekend, this date is available with fully inclusive Spring Package. For more info please email gaynor@balbirnie.co.uk
Balbirnie on VOWS shortlist/ Wedding Venue 2010.
We are absolutely delighted to announce that Balbirnie House has been placed on shortlist for the above award.
The result will be announced at the VOWS Awards 2010 Gala and Dinner Dance in Glasgow on Monday 08 November.
We would like to thank all clients who have taken the time and effort to put Balbirnie forward for this tremendous accolade, and mention in passing that five randomly chosen customers who voted will be contacted and their further feedback considered.
For more information please visit www.vowsawards.co.uk
‘The supreme accolade’/ 16 years in a row!!!
We’re delighted to announce that Balbirnie has once again retained the AA Inspectors’ Choice/ Red Star award for 2010/ 11. The AA identifies the highest performing hotels in Britain and Ireland as the AA Inspectors’ Choice, denoted by Red Stars. This is the AA’s supreme accolade, used to recognise hotels that stand out as the very best, regardless of size or style, and follows a rigorous incognito annual visit and site inspection which comprehensively assesses all aspects of the hotel.
I’d like to congratulate the entire team on another year of Red Star status. E: nicholas@balbirnie.co.uk
Wedding Open Day. Sunday 3rd October.
Congratulations to the new Mr & Mrs McGregor
Best wishes to Mari-Anne & Graeme who celebrated their marriage here at Balbirnie House last weekend, Saturday 25th September 2010.
Congratulations to Emily & Chris
The Balbirnie brigade would like to offer their congratulations and best wishes to the brand new Mr & Mrs Craig who were married here at Balbirnie House on Saturday 18th September 2010.
A great day was enjoyed by all!
Photography by Keystone Photography www.keystone-photography.com.
Congratulations to Mr & Mrs Ryan Dunning
The Balbirnie team would like to offer their congratulations to Stephanie & Ryan who celebrated the occasion of their marriage at Balbirnie House on Saturday 11th September 2010.
Photography by Alastair Stephen Photography. www.alastairstephen.co.uk
Congratulations to Ashley & Greig
Many congratulations to the brand new Mr & Mrs Mitchell who were married here at Balbirnie House on Friday 17th September 2010.
Photography by Karen Addision Photography. www.karen-addison.com
Congratulations to Mr & Mrs O'Byrne
Many congratulations to Christina and Terry who were married here at Balbirnie House on Saturday 28th August 2010.
Photography by Nikki McLeod. www.nikkimcleodphotography.com
Congratulations to Louise & Gary
The Balbirnie brigade would like to offer our very best wishes to the brand new Mr & Mrs Weymes who celebrated their wedding at Balbirnie House on Saturday 7th August 2010.
Photography by Ruth Hillman. www.ruthhillmanphotography.co.uk
Congratulations to Mr & Mrs Clark
Our sincerest congratulations to Jill & Graeme who were married here at Balbirnie House on Friday 30th July 2010.
Photography by Archibald Photography. www.archibaldphotography.co.uk
Congratulations to Rachelle & Angus
Many congratulations to the brand new Mr & Mrs McKimmon who celebrated their big day at Balbirnie House on Monday 26th July 2010.
Photography by Life in Frame. www.lifeinframe.co.uk
Congratulations to Mr & Mrs Woods
The Balbirnie team would like to congratulate Sinead & Chris who were married at Balbirnie House on Thursday 22nd July 2010.
Photography by Alan Hutchison Photography. www.alanhutchison.co.uk
Congratulations to Andrew & James
The Balbirnie team would like to offer our sincerest congratulations to Andrew & James Smith-Plenderleith who were married here at Balbirnie House on Saturday 28th August 2010, a fantastic day was had by all!
Photography by Stuart Craig Photography. www.stuartcraig.com
Minogue rumour!
Minogue rumour. We can confirm that Ceilidh Minogue will be playing live in Balbirnie’s Ballroom within the next few days.
Congratulations to Emma & Iain
Congratulations to the brand new Mr & Mrs Murphy, who were married here at Balbirnie House on Saturday 14th August 2010.
Photography by Valerie & Allan Tannock. www.vandacreativemoments.co.uk
New walk/ Markinch Heritage Group
Our thanks to all at Markinch Heritage Group, who have compiled a new mini flyer titled ‘Circular route from Markinch to Kirkforthar via Cuinin Hill and Star Moss’. The flyer outlines a 5 mile walk around the local area, taking in many aspects of historical interest. Copies available from reception. For more info on MHG please visit www.markinchheritage.org.uk
Baby Congratulations
The Balbirnie team would like to offer our congratulations and best wishes
to Michele Watson, Assistant Front Office Manager, on the birth of her
second son, Jay, born on Tuesday 10th August 2010, a healthy 7lb and a
gorgeous baby brother for Barry.
Congratulations to Mr & Mrs Newton
Congratulations to Debra & Chris who celebrated their marriage here at
Balbirnie House on Thursday 12th August 2010, a lovely day enjoyed by all!
Photography by Ivan Graham at Catch Photography (www.catchphotography.co.uk)
BALBIRNIE FEATURES IN THE DAILY RECORD
Country house splendour in Fife. Balbirnie features in The Daily Record.
Rosanne Cash, in residence
We have been delighted and very honoured to welcome Rosanne Cash to Balbirnie House. As a grammy award winning singer and songwriter, Rosanne returned to her ancestral home in Fife this summer. Rosanne has a deep affinity for the nearby village of Falkland, a place held in high affection by her father, the later country star Johnny Cash. Rosanne played an intimate and acoustic set with her husband John Leventhal on Sunday on the Black Isle Main Stage at The Big Tent, Scotland’s Environmental Festival.
BALBIRNIE BISTRO – NEW SUMMER MENUS
Congratulations to Mr and Mrs McEleavy
Congratulations to Lorna and Owen, the new Mr and Mrs McEleavy, who were married here at Balbirnie.
Congratulations to Angela & David
Congratulations to Angela and David, the new Mr & Mrs Bett, who were married here at Balbirnie on Saturday 3rd July 2010.
Photography by Catch Photography (www.catchphotography.co.uk)
Congratulations to Gemma & Aaron
The Balbirnie team would like to offer our sincerest congratulations to Gemma & Aaron Jack who were married here at Balbirnie House on Saturday 10th July, a great day was enjoyed by all!
Photography by Siobhan Robertson (www.siobhanrobertsonphotography.com)
Congratulations to Mr & Mrs Jones
Congratulations to our Pastry Chef Rob & his wife Sam on the birth of their son, Campbell, on Thursday 1st July 2010, weighing a healthy 9lb 1oz. Our best wishes to them both and also to Freya on becoming a big sister for the first time.
Congratulations to Pamela and Craig
Congratulations to Pamela McKnight and Craig Anderson on the celebration of their engagement here at Balbirnie on Friday 2nd July 2010. Craig had the evening planned down to the tiniest detail, including red roses and champagne, we were delighted when Pamela said YES and the Balbirnie team would like to send our very best wishes to the future Mr & Mrs Anderson!
CONGRATULATIONS TO MR & MRS OZER
Congratulations to Erdal and April on the birth of their new baby boy, Koray, born on Saturday 26th June 2010 weighing a healthy 6lb 14oz. The Balbirnie Team send their very best wishes to the whole family, especially mother and baby!
Budget response/ new Orangery menus.
23rd June. We are delighted to present our brand new summer Orangery menus, within which we have reflected even more extreme value.
Executive Chef Mark Lindsey says ‘One significant additional upgrade within our kitchens is the addition of a brand new chargrill. Local butchers Hendersons, who have supplied Balbirnie with our tremendous Aberdeen Angus and Limousin cross steaks for the last 2 decades, are selecting the finest cuts of ribeye and fillet steak for the new menus. Our new menus are very much classic Balbirnie, and now also fully incorporate our in-house hot smoked salmon, and a selected range of ice creams from our ice cream factory, the Caledonian Kitchens.’
In embracing the Chancellor’s new austerity measures we have introduced a further few price tweaks, and believe that here in summer 2010 this is fabulous affordability and value at Balbirnie at its very best.
Orangery Lunch (Wednesday to Saturday)
- 2 courses £14.00
- 3 courses £18.00
Individually priced dishes also available.
Orangery Lunch (Sunday)
- Canapes, 3 course feature menu, and coffee and petit fours, at an all-inclusive price of £21.50
Orangery Dinner (Wednesday to Sunday)
- Canapes, 3 course feature menu, and coffee with petit fours, at an all-inclusive price of £35.00
Celebrating a special occasion in The Orangery? If you have any special requests please do let me know, E: kylie@balbirnie.co.uk
- To view the new menus please click here
Congratulations to Stacy & Jamie
Congratulations to Stacy & Jamie, the new Mr & Mrs Munro who were married here at Balbirnie House on Friday 4th June 2010.
Photography by Neil Fordyce (www.neilfordyce.com)
Congratulations to Judith & Sam Coates
The Balbirnie House brigade would like to offer our congratulations to Judith & Sam Coates, married here at Balbirnie on the 30th May 2010. A special day too for Balbirnie’s Operations Manager, Samantha, one of Judith’s four beautiful bridesmaids. A lovely day, enjoyed by all. Photography by Rob Thomson at Lifetime Photography (www.lifetimephotography.co.uk)
Glenwood Prom
Balbirnie was delighted to be the chosen venue for Glenwood High School’s sixth year prom on Wednesday 9th June 2010,a great attendance by pupils and staff made for a fantastic evening all round. Photography by Ivan Graham at Catch Photography (www.catchphotography.co.uk)
Congratulations to Heather & Robert Munroe
The Balbirnie House team would like to offer our sincerest congratulations to Heather & Robert, the new Mr & Mrs Munroe, who celebrated their wedding here at Balbirnie House on Monday 31st May.
Congratulations to Gillian & Simon Dailly
Our very best wishes to Gillian & Simon Dailly who celebrated their big day at Balbirnie House on Saturday 5th June, one of the hottest days of the year so far, a perfect day to travel by horse and carriage!
Balbirnie hosts the popular BBC2 “Flog It” antiques programme on Tuesday 13 July 2010.
Presented by Paul Martin each weekday morning , the series regularly receives an audience of 2 million viewers – around 25% of the entire television audience. Rather like a treasure hunt, members of the public are invited to bring along the antiques and collectables they might be interested in selling. Once valued, the owner and team of experts decide whether it should go forward for auction. If the item is chosen it is sold a few weeks later – often with the owner making a tidy sum. Everyone who goes along to the Valuation Day will receive a valuation – even if their antiques are not chosen to go forward for auction.
Admission is free and the public are welcome to come along with their items of interest. Weather permitting this will be an outdoor event, 9.30am to 4.00pm.
Balbirnie hosts another Ladies Shopping Day Event on Tuesday 22nd June 2010
Arrive at 10am for morning coffee. Browse around an array of fabulous stalls provided by individual shops and exhibitors, attend a presentation entitled “Put The Wow back into your Wardrobe” by Integro Image Consultants (Scotland’s own version of Trinny and Susannah!), and thereafter enjoy a three course lunch with a glass of wine served in The Ballroom. £29.50 per person for full event -call our special events team on 01592 610066 to book.
Down on one knee! Congratulations to Robbie and Heather.
Congratulations to Robbie and Heather.
16TH May. 9.30pm. Love has very much been in the air this evening.
Our very best wishes to Robbie Birrell, who got down on one knee last night in Balbirnie’s Library Bar, and proposed to Heather Veitch.
(She said yes!!!) Congratulations to you both.
May Weddings!
The Balbirnie team would like to offer our congratulations to Louise and Anthony Cooke who celebrated their big day here at Balbirnie on Friday 7th May 2010, a great day was enjoyed by all!
Photography by Neal Murray (www.nealmurray.com)
The Scottish Hotel Awards 2010. Hoteliers of the Year Award
At the annual hotel Oscars, The Scottish Hotel Awards 2010, Nicholas and Gaynor Russell have been jointly presented with the ‘Hoteliers of the Year 2010’ Award.
Nicholas Russell says ‘We are both very humbled and honoured to receive this absolutely unique industry recognition’.
Nicholas and Gaynor Russell are presented with the award by Lord Macdonald of Skye.
26th April, Scotland’s top wedding award. The Scottish Hotel Awards 2010.
At the annual hotel Oscars, The Scottish Hotel Awards 2010, Balbirnie House has received the top wedding accolade, as ‘Scotland’s Wedding Hotel of the Year 2010’.
Gaynor Russell, Meghan Davies, Samantha Slight and Phyllis Wilkie were presented with the award.
Wedding coordinator Meghan says ‘We are simply over the moon, to repeat last year’s success and once again see Balbirnie House take the top wedding award in Scotland, against the competition of every venue in the country. The whole team is just thrilled to bits’.
Gaynor, Meghan, Phyllis and Samantha collect the award for Wedding Hotel of the Year 2010.
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Samantha & David Stewart who were married at Balbirnie on Friday 23rd April 2010. Photographs by Stuart Craig Photography (www.stuartcraig.com)
The team at Balbirnie would also like to offer our congratulations to Kate & Andrew Murray who were married at Balbirnie on Saturday 24th April 2010. Photography by Rob at Lifetime Photography (www.lifetimephotography.com)
Balbirnie confirmed as the backdrop for GREEN BUSINESS FIFE AWARDS CEREMONY
Recognising sustainability in business, Fife Council’s first Green Business Fife Awards programme was launched in 2008 to highlight the environmental achievements made by companies, of all sizes and sectors, operating in Fife during the past 2 years. In recognising and rewarding companies that have introduced new initiatives and projects for better sustainable business practice, the Green Business Fife Awards aim to promote greater awareness and environmental innovation throughout Fife. The 2009/2010 Awards will be presented at a gala dinner in the Millennium Ballroom at Balbirnie House on Wednesday 12th May 2010.
Weddings into the future. Busiest month in history!!!
Each month we monitor all incoming bookings, and March 2010 has been our busiest month ever for future weddings.
Balbirnie’s Ballroom is looking just wonderful, the brand new carpets and our special dance floor have settled in really well.
Our first availability for a Saturday wedding is 8th January 2011, and we would be delighted to detail how we could incorporate our Spring and Platinum packages for that particular date, combining to make simply tremendous value for money.
As always, please do contact us if you would like to visit for a showround. E: meghan@balbirnie.co.uk
‘A golfer’s paradise’. Balbirnie features in Conference News Magazine.
March 2010- Scotland Supplement/ FIFE
Home to famous golf courses, Scotland’s oldest university, and a range of exceptional venues, the Kingdom of Fife is one of Scotland’s most exciting regions, presenting a backdrop to inspire business events. Twenty minutes drive from Edinburgh airport, and close to other major transport hubs, Fife also offers award winning spas, stately homes, top hotels and breathtaking scenery... The heart of Fife boasts exclusive use of country mansions such as Balbirnie House, a privately-owned Georgian mansion set in a landscaped 400 acre park. Balbirnie offers a grand but homely ambience for intimate meetings... Known throughout the world as the Home of Golf, the Kingdom of Fife is a golfer’s paradise boasting more than 40 courses.
For info on conferencing, exclusive use of Balbirnie House, or intimate meetings, E: rosemary@balbirnie.co.uk
23rd March. First rhododendron of the year.
Balbirnie Park houses one of the largest collections of rhododendrons in Scotland.
The month of April offers many stunning parkland walks.
Here is a photo of the first to bloom this year.
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
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.
