Ardanaiseig

Top romantic hotel saves the best for winter

Scotland’s most romantic hotel is warming up winter with cosy weekend packages. Ardanaiseig is offering the opportunity to escape to some of the UK’s most spectacular scenery and enjoy living as a Highland clan chief in one of its finest rooms overlooking Loch Awe in Argyll. The package is aimed at guests eager to share romance, families looking to relax together, and city and town dwellers wishing to swap hectic lifestyles for a few days of luxurious rural living. The package includes accommodation in a Master Loch or Master Garden View Suite, breakfast, a hearty three-course dinner, and afternoon tea in its sumptuous drawing room which gazes out on Scotland’s third largest freshwater loch and the hotel’s private island. Guests can unwind with a dram of malt whisky or glass of port in front of a roaring log fire after a stroll around the loch or a ‘wellies’ (provided by the hotel) ramble through the 120-acre woodland estate which features streams, waterfalls and a secret walled garden. Ardanaiseig, a 20-minute drive from the main road between Glasgow and Oban (gateway to the Hebridean islands), is a listed Grade 2 building which showcases oil paintings and quirky antique furnishings. It was named by the editors of the 2017 edition of the UK Good Hotel Guide as Scotland’s best romantic and country house hotel. The inclusive Winter Warmer package, priced at £295 per room per night, is available between Thursdays and Mondays from October 5 to March 5 2018. Children aged 2-12 years sharing their parents’ room pay half rate. For more information or to make a reservation call 01866-833333, email hello@ardanaiseig.com or see www.ardanaiseig.com.

On the beautiful west coast of Scotland, couples are spoiled for choice when it comes to fabulous autumn wedding venues. Each year, more than 1,000 lucky couples choose the west coast for their special day, and since there are no residential qualifications for getting married in Scotland, it is a popular wedding destination for people from all over the world. According to Provost of Argyll and Bute Councillor Len Scoullar anyone choosing to have their wedding here is assured of the warmest of welcomes. ‘Whether you already stay in the area or are thinking about coming here for your big day, you can rest assured that you will find the ideal location for your ceremony’, he said. ‘We have romantic old castles, breathtaking mountains, beautiful lochs, thousands of miles of stunning coastline, sunny sandy beaches, and much more.’ Couples can opt for a religious or civil ceremony that is conducted by an authorised or assistant registrar. Either way, you will need to complete the necessary paperwork (Marriage Notice M10 forms) which can be obtained at any registrar’s office or downloaded from www.argyll-bute.gov.uk. The forms should be submitted to the registrar in the district you are getting married no later than 29 days before the proposed wedding date. The sooner you book the more likely you will be able to get your preferred date, a provisional booking can be made with the required paperwok submitted later, it is advisable to get your forms in six to eight weeks prior to your wedding. For non-British citizens, there may be additional paperwork, so they should start the process even earlier. ‘The couples who entrust us with their special occasions always remark on how warm, friendly and helpful our registrars are’, Councillor Scoullar said. ‘Their dedication and commitment, combined with the plethora of perfect locations available, makes for a truly memorable day. Argyll and Bute really can offer it all – come and visit us, and see for yourself.’ Many venues, whether a hotel, castle or garden, usually offer total wedding packages, so can be an excellent choice for couples who prefer to have all the details taken care of by a knowledgeable and professional staff. In addition, there are many experienced florists, jewellers, outfitters and caterers in the area that can take care of everything you need. In addition, ceremonies can take place at any registrar’s office. Engaged couples can find out more on Argyll and Bute Council’s website at argyll-bute.gov.uk, or contact the register directly at registrars@argyll-bute.gov.uk. Check out their online Civil Ceremonies guide, which is packed with information, venues and ideas for the perfect wedding day.