It’s hard to get everyone together these days but one way to swing it is by all converging on Scotland for a week in a Castle. This is what the Priest family decided to organise and in they came from five different states. On arrival at Edinburgh, everyone was met by Andrew Loyd who guided them up to Birkhill in Fife.

Once we had all the rental cars sorted out, we headed north, stopping off for a pub lunch at the Ship Inn in Falkland and arriving at Birkhill mid afternoon. This was a band of 10 adults and 15 children who had endured some long flights, so we had some tired guests on our hands and a lot of luggage. Once room allocation had been achieved and afternoon tea had been dispensed, the adults retired for a nap, whilst the kids took to the swings, trampoline and explored the 25 acres of gardens.

This was to be a week of trout fishing on Lindores loch, riding along the beaches at Kinshaudy, golfing at St.Andrews and lots of day trips. A short drive north to explore Glamis Castle one day, followed by a fun time weaving around the narrow streets of East Fife’s fishing villages, which boast romantic little harbours and Scotland’s most famous fish & chip shop on another. On two days a coach was organised for longer trips to see Balmoral (HM the Queen’s Highland residence) in Royal Deeside and to explore the architecture of Charles Rennie Mackintosh in Glasgow.

Dinner for the adults was held in the main dining room every night, except on cook’s night off when everyone sampled the culinary delights of the Craigsanquhar House hotel.  Meanwhile the kids ate in the Castle’s breakfast room, under the watchful eye of Pip, the Australian chef brought in for the week. A piper came to liven up the final dinner and everyone retired out onto the lawn to watch the sun go down. A busy week for all but one full of fun and laughter and some quality time for the four sisters and their numerous offspring.