Ackergill Tower near Wick, part of the AmaZing Venues collection, reopens this April following a £1m refurbishment.  A world renowned venue that stands proudly on the northeast coast of the Scottish Highlands, Ackergill Tower has emerged like a phoenix from the flames following a fire in January 2014.

The enchanting 15th century Scottish castle has had interior upgrades that remain entirely sympathetic to the castle's Scottish heritage and have been sensitively designed to encapsulate the tower's impressive past.

Over the years, Ackergill Tower has hosted a number of Hollywood and British A-listers including Gary Barlow, Jack Nicholson, Michael Douglas, Twiggy and Jeremy Irons who have taken advantage of the castle's peaceful and private location.  The tower will once again be able to host impressive get-togethers and will take back its crown as one of world's leading venues for weddings, private parties, celebrations and corporate events.  Ackergill Tower will also host guests for dining, Sunday lunches, afternoon teas and overnight leisure breaks making the five star property accessible for short stay and day guests as well as for exclusive hire.

Owner and founder of AmaZing Venues, Mike Clare explains, “From the moment a guest arrives at Ackergill Tower we want them to feel that this is where their Scottish Highland adventure begins. We've brought back the use of tartan throughout the main hallway and in the newly refurbished bedrooms to enhance the true Scottish experience we offer guests. This castle is like a living and breathing museum, and our job with this refurbishment, has been to safeguard the many treasures within it.”

VisitScotland's Chairman, Mike Cantley says, “We are delighted with the work carried out to restore and revitalise Ackergill Tower. Our private venue partners play a crucial role in attracting tourism to the area and the Tower continues to provide an inspiring and beautiful destination and reason to visit the Highlands.” 

Ackergill Tower's general manager, Craig Wright, adds, “The property has never looked so good and now as we enter springtime we encourage visitors both locally and from further afield to sample our hospitality and incredible grounds.  Whether you join us for afternoon tea, formal dining in the Tower, an overnight stay or private party we aim to create experiences that last a lifetime.  I can't wait to offer our guests the many activities we have at Ackergill Tower.  From whisky tastings to fishing, shooting and RIB rides, our guests can do as much or as little as they like”

About the Ackergill Tower refurbishment:

As part of the refurbishment, the five tower bedrooms have undergone a makeover including the Dunbar room which is named after one of the famous land-owning families who occupied the castle from the 1700s.  The Dunbar room has been personalised with Sir Richard Dunbar's family tartan and was readied for his recent personal stay. He succeeds his late mother Lady Dunbar of Hempriggs who owned the property from 1963 until 1997.

The Cospatrick Suite dedicated to Sir George Cospatrick, who in 1906 was born to parents of the Duff-Sutherland-Dunbar family and was allocated one of the rooms in the tower. His room as a child, the Cospatrick room has a boyish twist designed to reflect its former occupant with playful blue and white striped wallpaper and complementary tartan.

The interior of the Lady Louisa Suite is inspired by Mrs Louise Duff-Dunbar who spent a lifetime living at Ackergill Tower in the mid-1800s. She was a popular figure in the county and was documented to have a keen interest in archaeology on a global scale and botany. The new design scheme pays subtle homage to her love of nature and wildlife with butterflies and insects featuring in the design of the wallpaper. The tartan throws and cushions in this bedroom are paired down with light mauves and natural tones.

The Doocot Suite references the Scottish vernacular for dovecote and evokes a feeling of the great outdoors with floral designs and peaceful soft furnishings. 

The Parapet Suite is at the top of the tower, has incredible views and guests can look forward to fresh and vibrant blooms on the wallpaper all complemented with luxury bedding and furniture.

Accessible from Inverness or the nearby Wick John O'Groats airport, Ackergill Tower offers leisure breaks from £199 per night including breakfast and £7,000 for exclusive use celebrations. Local guests can take advantage of the five course Tower Dining banquets for £45 including Prosecco or Sunday lunches priced at £29 per person.

For bookings or more information visit www.amazingvenues.co.uk or call 0330 333 7222.

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Media Enquiries:

The Brighter Group:

Steele Paulich / Tryphena Greenwood / Amy Skelding: steele.paulich@brightergroup.com / tryphena.greenwood@brightergroup.com/ amy.skelding@brightergroup.com  020 7326 9880

Notes to Editors

Ackergill Tower is located in Wick, Caithness on the northeast coast of the Highlands, easily accessible from Inverness or the nearby Wick John O'Groats airport. Nestled between the sea and the hills, the venue plays host to some of the most beautiful views Scotland has to offer. Set in thousands of acres of grounds with a total of 35 bedrooms, 11 function spaces, private beach, loch and bothy it remains one of the world's most exclusive retreats for weddings, private parties, celebrations, corporate events and leisure breaks.

The property was purchased by AmaZing Venues in 2009 and has over the past five years benefitted from an ongoing programme of investment and additions to the estate. In 2013 the award-winning Treehouse, the largest in Europe and situated five minute walk from the castle in a 150 year old Sycamore grove, was transformed from a conference centre to a woodland penthouse for luxury weekend breaks.

Extensive works were carried out to The Smuggler's Inn, turning what once was an opera house into a traditional Scottish pub complete with bar, gig stage, snug and two open fires, serving wholesome local fayre and drinks by the pint.

The original stable block, which had fallen into a state of disrepair was converted into The Stables, a four bedroom luxury self-catering cottage.

Rather than building a marquee which would not have withstood the Scottish weather, AmaZing Venues converted an outbuilding into Sinclair Palace, a large multi-functional event space which combines modern décor with original stonework and timber beams offering space for banqueting up to 150 and receptions for 250 guests or delegates.