Castle’s owner left ‘saddened’ by breach of trust

The self-styled laird of Guthrie Castle has closed the door on future weddings taking place at the luxury location.

Dan Pena and his wife Sally bought the 15th Century pile in 1984 and made it available for public bookings after nearly 20 years of renovation.

Mr Pena, 72, a “financial wizard” who tours the world to impart fiscal wisdom at conferences, said he did not want to comment on the length of Williamson’s sentence but was left upset by the breach of trust.

He said: “I’m saddened that he used the trust I put in him to take money from us.

“I’m also sad about the couples who were put in distress — getting married is a stressful enough time. I liken it to raising children.

“You can’t watch your kids 24/7/365 and you have to give them some latitude.

“He was given a lot of latitude in the wedding arena and over money.

“There was no way we could have known all the meetings he had where he’s diverting money.

“I’ve been in business a long time, almost 50 years and you have to have faith, you have to delegate.

“This hasn’t shaken my resolve about that.

“I’ve forgiven him and hope he gets on well after his prison time.”

The castle’s website now describes the former hotel as a private residence.

Guthrie Castle no longer takes wedding bookings.