Rothes Glen, The Luxury Castle for Whisky Connoisseurs, is a magnificent private castle in the heart of Speyside in the Highlands of Scotland, offering breathtaking views down the glen. Built by the Dunbar-Dunbar family in 1893 and designed by the famous whisky architect Charles Chree Doig, Rothes Glen is a luxurious baronial-style castle that sleeps up to 28 guests.
Learn a little more about our latest addition to the Walpole family in our interview with the owner of Rothes Glen, Damian Riley-Smith...
Walpole: Tell us about the history of your brand?
Damian Riley-Smith: Rothes Glen was built in 1893 by the Dunbar-Dunbar family, then one of the wealthiest shipping families in the world. The castle was designed by famous whisky architect Charles Chree Doig as a baronial style Highland home, became a much-loved hotel from 1948 to 1998, and then returned to private ownership until 2019. As founder of Whisky Magazine and Whisky Live, I have been offering hospitality around the world for more than 20 years and always wanted to bring this experience to life. This became possible when Rothes Glen became available and I saw the opportunity to create the the luxury castle for whisky connoisseurs in Speyside, the beating heart of Scotland’s whisky making.
Less than an hour from Inverness and Aberdeen airports, Rothes Glen was extensively refurbished to the highest specification during 2020 and 2021 and opened on 8th September 2021 as a luxury exclusive-use castle sleeping up to 28 guests in 14 en suite bedrooms. Eleven acres of grounds surround the castle which has breathtaking views down the glen and stunning gardens. Fully-staffed, the castle caters for the discerning traveller’s every need from traditional Highland banquets to picnics by the lochan, bespoke activities in the local area and personal tastings. Anything is possible at Rothes Glen.
Everything about Rothes Glen echoes the history and the heritage of the region, complemented by the extraordinary whiskies and fine food on offer. The castle includes a whisky vault, tasting room, whisky cabinets in the library and snooker room, and in the highest room in the castle, the whisky observatory, while the team and chef have extensive whisky knowledge.
What is your brand best known for?
Rothes Glen is best known for being ‘The Luxury Castle for Whisky Connoisseurs’. The castle is filled with some of the greatest whiskies in the world and has unique features throughout including a whisky tasting room, whisky library, whisky vault, whisky observatory and whisky-filled cabinets in the library and snooker room. All this great whisky is supported by an award-winning chef whose passion is, of course, whisky!
What has been a significant achievement in your company’s timeline?
Undertaking the renovation entirely during lockdown and being ready to open on 8th September 2021 was a great achievement. In just 18 months, Rothes Glen was transformed into a world class, exclusive-use castle for whisky connoisseurs.
Why do you love the brand?
Rothes Glen is quite simply the most wonderful private castle in which to enjoy one of Britain’s greatest products: Scotch whisky.
Why does your brand represent the very best in British luxury?
Rothes Glen is the most beautiful luxury castle in Speyside offering world-class hospitality. And the castle showcases and champions one of our country's greatest luxury exports.
What attracted you to becoming a Walpole member?
After 25 years developing high quality international luxury brands Whisky Magazine and Whisky Live, and bringing them to life in Rothes Glen, I wanted to find like-minded souls with similar visions reaching similar audiences. Working together is the most fruitful collaboration, and Walpole offers additional opportunities to learn from the best and network with the greatest luxury British brands.
If you could collaborate with another Walpole member, which one would you choose (and what would you like to do)?
It is almost impossible to pick one single member, rather a sector. Rothes Glen is in the food and drink industry – but could always be closer – so the standout categories would be automotive, aviation and yachting, hospitality and services, watches, and retailers.
Tell us about an exciting development or new launch for your brand in the coming months?
The Rothes Glen 100 is a special membership for just one hundred select companies or individuals who want to visit Speyside and experience the finest whisky hospitality. This exclusive five-year membership provides members with accommodation over five years at today’s prices, with a 10% discount off all food and drink during their stay.
> Find out more about Rothes Glen in the company's Walpole member profile