Ballathie House Hotel

Long before Ballathie House Hotel was built, the surrounding lands belonged to Kinclaven Castle. It was here that the famed Scottish knight William Wallace defeated the opposing English forces by trapping them in the castle before putting it to the torch.

It wasn't until the 17th century that the Ballathie manor and estate we know of began taking shape. The surrounding area was part of the Drummond family’s holdings, which were sold to the ancestors of General Richardson Robertson of Tullybelton. It was the good General who commissioned the construction of Ballathie House during the mid-19th century, though he wouldn't see its completion in 1886 as he passed away in 1883. The remaining work was led by his nephew, Colonel Edmund Robert F. Richardson, who also managed the construction of Kinclaven Bridge in 1903.

Ballathie House changed several times during the early 20th century, first in an auction in 1910, won by Sir Stewart Coates of Paisley. Sir Paisley modernized the manor, upgrading it with electricity and centralized heating. The estate finally opened as a hotel in 1972, converted by the Maxwell family who acquired it two years prior. The hotel recently changed hands again in 2024, and is now owned by IMR Hotels - a UK group known for restoring and operating luxurious heritage stays.

Ballathie House proudly displays its 19th-century Scottish Baronial architecture and features fanciful classic elements like corner turrets, gabled roofs, and a gray sandstone facade. It follows an L-shaped layout, a common design for fortified residences during the Medieval Period, yet also a fitting choice for Ballathie due to Scottish Baronial romanticism.

Likewise, the interiors of the manor are rich in stylish decorative touches. Of note are the different fireplaces around the property, each embellished with a unique theme. The one in the entrance hall, for example, features white marble and Greek-inspired patterns, while the one in the dining hall features a scene from the story of Androcles and the Lion.

As for the accommodations, the guest rooms are dressed in charming contemporary styles, reminiscent of vacation villas. The aesthetics embrace a complementary ambiance instead of fully immersing in Ballathie's period aspects. This creates a contrast of modern comfort amidst the mansion's heritage glamor.

Dinner

Ballathie House Hotel's culinary reputation is one represented by its two AA Rosettes, awarded by The AA motoring association. Led by Head Chef Scott Scorer, the hotel's kitchen teams utilize local Scottish ingredients, such as prime beef from regional pastures, locally grown produce, and seasonally available wild game to craft delicious dinners. Savor your 4-course meal while admiring the scenery along the River Tay.

Availability: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Reservations are required and can be made via their website.

Lunch

Available on weekends, Ballathie House Hotel's restaurant offers a traditional 3-course lunch, showcasing the region's ingredients and classic recipes. Aside from the special weekend menu, guests can also avail an all-day dining menu which serves lighter fare.

Afternoon Tea at Ballathie

Indulge in a relaxing Afternoon Tea service, sipping delightful blends and snacking on sinful desserts. Nibble on tasty sandwiches, or try the freshly baked cakes and pastries, all prepared by the hotel's pastry chef. Apart from tea, you may also avail glasses of champagne to celebrate a special moment.

Availability: 3 pm - 4:30 pm
Reservations are required and can be made via their website.

Private Dining

For special occasions, such as birthdays and anniversaries, Ballathie House Hotel can prepare dinner celebrations in private dining rooms. These functions accommodate smaller private lunches or dinners, as well as larger parties.

Ballathie House Hotel sits on the banks of the River Tay, a country manor with lovely Scottish Baronial aesthetics surrounded by beautiful parkland, thus creating a fantastic setting for a memorable fairytale wedding in Scotland. Celebrations at the hotel can be scaled up or down, according to the number of guests, up to a maximum of 80 attendees. The hotel is also available for exclusive-use bookings, so you can reserve the whole estate for the duration of preparations and celebrations. Apart from the venues, Ballathie is also a licensed venue for holding civil ceremonies, meaning your union will be recognized by the law.

Here are the main venues available for wedding events:

Morning Room

A hall with classic designs and decor, as well as a large bay window with views of the estate's Victorian gardens.
Capacity: 18 guests

Terrace Room

A bright and vibrant hall that comes with access to the patio and front lawns facing out to the River Tay.
Capacity: 36 guests

The Restaurant

The hotel's dining hall can also be reserved for ceremonies and receptions, granting a venue with plenty of natural light and lovely vistas.
Capacity: 65 guests

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Long before Ballathie House was built, the areas along the River Tay were prime spots for salmon fishing. The tradition lives on to this day, and Ballathie attracts numerous guests who visit for the Atlantic salmon season, which runs from January to October. The hotel even offers special Fishing Break stay packages, which include information on fishing beats and partner services you can contact.

Aside from fishing, Perthshire is also home to many sporting estates that allow game hunting. While some travelers might balk at the idea of hunting in general, professionally managed game reserves very much adhere to conservation efforts and contribute to environmental protection by properly managing populations.

Aside from sporting trips, guests at Ballathie can and should also visit historical landmarks in the area to get their culture fix. The city of Perth is home to several museums, including the Perth Museum, and the Black Watch Castle & Museum. The landscape is also dotted by many venerable estates, including Scone Palace, where Scotland's kings were officially crowned until the 17th century.

Ballathie House Hotel provides an elegant destination for your meetings and conferences, set in a classic country house with modern comforts. The hotel has two main venues for corporate gatherings available: the spacious Riverside Room can host up to 50 guests, while the smaller Morning Room accommodates up to 18. Various configurations are supported, along with accompanying services such as light lunches and private dinners.

Aside from the venues, Ballathie also provides excellent opportunities for team-building and corporate event activities. Groups can host Mini Highland Games or participate in archery and clay-pigeon shooting. The outdoorsy types can try more adventurous pursuits like quad-biking or off-road driving. Those who prefer a more relaxed pace can book whisky tastings, storytelling sessions, or wellness-focused activities instead.