Fabulous cosy castle,we were actually too warm for the first 2 nights until we grew acustomed to the heat from the underfloor heating .We didnt need all those winter woolies at all.The towel rails were great in every bathroom for keeping the towels toasty and the water was always piping hot.
The most beautiful surroundings and the castle was just amazing.The beds must be the most comfortable in the world.
Chef,John Ramsays food was just to die for.
Plenty of rooms for all the family,too many in fact for our little family,we didnt even use the 4 bed attic dormitory room at all.
There is no cleaning or linen changing services included in the price but this can very easily be arranged with the housekeeper who can even do breakfast duty if you want her to.I would recommend getting the housekeeper to do your grocery shopping for your arrival as it takes up a bit of you time to drive into blairgowrie for shopping.
The castle is a real home from home and our every need was catered for.The bathrooms all have lovely luxurious handwash and liquid soaps but do take bar soaps for your guests or ask the housekeeper to add those,we had to go out and buy some.
If you are using a string quartet then there is plenty of space in the great hall and if you leave the doors between hall and chapel open via the spiral starcase you can hear them clearly from the chapel.We didnt discover that until later and our poor quartet had to move between the corridor for the chapel and the great hall for the reception and set up again.
For evening entertainment George Rennie was fab on his accordian,we had a mini ceilidh,we all danced all night.
If you need and contacts for hair and make-up or musicians please contact me.
One thing is that the water to the castle is not mains and is via a well.There was plenty of it and it was fine for washing and cooking etc but I would definately take bottled water for drinking.Some of our family found it dried up their throats a little just because of the high mineral content of it,so bottled water definately recommended for drinking.
If you have dogs they will love running free in the grounds and there is even a doggie toilet behind the piggery for cleaning up after them easily.They really have thought of everything.
I would recommend for family gathering,parties,experience and pamper weeks or weekends and most of all for weddings.
We were married on the 5th Novemebr midway through our stay.Perfect in every way.

We spent our fairytale wedding, and whole week in a fairytale castle.
Stunning castle, stunning scenery, perfect setting for a close personal wedding.

Stayed at Forter castle with close friends for a week, married in the small chapel, and later in the week spent Burns night in the perfect scottish setting.

Not an imposing castle, but warm, homely and friendly. The housekeeper was most welcoming, and the booking service from the Pooley family was wonderful - nothing was to much trouble.

Nothing will ever take away the memory of our first view of Forter castle as we rounded the bend - stunning, and quite litteraly breath taking!

Highly recommend for anyone wanting to either just get away from it all, or to spend quality time with those people that you love most.

We spent a week at Forter Castle in July 2006
We were wed in the Chapel and stayed for our honeymoon. I have to say that this is the most idyllic setting for the most perfect small intimate wedding that I could imagine. Nothing negative at all, it was just perfect. John's food superb, the hampers left for us, ideal. Decor spot on, beds very very comfy.
A*+

We were looking for a place with a diffrence for our daughters wedding and we found FORTAR CASTLE. IT had everything we wanted sleeps 10 , takes dogs and had a small private chapel. The housekeeper was more then helpful, she helped with the small problems with us being so far away, like flowers etc. The housekeeeper also did the catering for a 6 course meal in the main hall with her small army of helpers and all our guests were very impressed with her high standards. NOTHING was to much trouble for anyone of them.
The castle itself has been restored to the a high standard of warmth and comfort. Its like going back in time with all the modern day comforts. The stairs in side are very steep so they are NO good for the infirm or small children. The bedrooms have fourposters in 2 and the other 3 have big kingsize zip beds, either single or doubles. It is a very restful place.
The local hotel will take the overspill of guests and provide a taxi service to the castle. The local people are very nice but BE WARNED stay away from the drink they call RUSTY NAIL.
If you want a Fairytale wedding, a extra special wedding or just a special time then Fortar Castle is for you.