Ballathie's first wedding fair

First wedding showcase is a right royal affair

It has taken almost four decades but this year's royal marriage has persuaded Ballathie to stage its first wedding fair.

The luxury baronial mansion on the banks of the River Tay at Kinclaven, which marks its 40th anniversary as a hotel in 2012 and is a popular wedding venue, is joining the national celebrations for Prince William's nuptials with the fair on Sunday 6th March.

Manager Arnaud Merrouche commented "Although Ballathie has long enjoyed a reputation as a top class venue for wedding receptions, and latterly also ceremonies, we've never held a wedding fair. However, as soon as we heard of the Prince's engagement we decided to pay our own special tribute to romance." William will marry Kate Middleton in Westminster Abbey on 29 April.

"We're planning this to be the icing on the cake for Ballathie after our repeated wins in the Scottish Hotel of the Year Awards, " Arnaud added.

Entry is free, with guided tours of the hotel and a prize draw to win dinner for two at Ballathie which was voted Scotland's top rural restaurant of 2010 and has previously been named best country house and country sports hotel.

The event, to take place in a marquee in the grounds, has attracted a wide range of exhibitors including specialists in bridal fashion, flowers, photography, wedding cars, cakes, jewellery and accessories, marquee hire, beauty care and entertainment.

Brides and grooms-to-be who book their wedding at Ballathie on the day will receive a 10% discount on hotel hire (April to October only).

The hotel is also taking part in its first external wedding fair at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on 12 and 13 February, an event expected to be attended by more than 6,000 visitors.

For more information on our wedding fair and to see a list of exhibitors, visit our website.

The 2011 Fishing Season opened on the River Tay this morning and guests gathered outside the hotel to walk down to the River for the Opening Ceremony led by Piper Alfie Henderson.

Ghillies George and Garry prepare the Whisky drams for the guests to toast the start of the new fishing season.

The season is opened by a dram of Whisky being poured over the boat.

Guests gathered at the River bank with drams in hand to keep them warm!

Ghillie's George and Gary with Piper Alfie Henderson.

Tight lines to all of our fishermen - wishing you all a successful season with lots of fish!

If you would like to try some Salmon Fishing on the River Tay, see our website for details of our special Salmon Fishing Package.