Gleneagles in Scotland will be celebrating the launch of the highly-anticipated film Mary Queen of Scots starring Margot Robbie and Saoirse Ronan in February 2019, with an exclusive new experience for guests. Delve deep into the fascinating history behind the life of one of our most controversial Royals, as Gleneagles’ in-house Blue Badge guide offers privately-guided tours of Linlithgow Palace, where Mary was born and Stirling Castle, where she was crowned Queen of Scotland in 1543.
Reigning over Scotland during the politically turbulent 16th Century, Mary has been variously defined throughout history as a mother, a wife, a widow, a rival, a prisoner, a victim and a “star-crossed Queen”. As two female regents battle for prominence in a male-dominated world, this epic new drama will bring the tense and increasingly bitter relationship between Mary and her cousin Elizabeth I, who eventually ordered Mary’s execution, to our screens.
Gleneagles is within easy reach of some the country’s most historic destinations, making the hotel the perfect base from which to explore Mary’s life and this defining chapter in Scottish history. The tours will be hosted by Blue-badge guide, Iris Marhenke – a specialist on Mary and her era.
Guests will be driven from Gleneagles to Stirling Castle and Linlithgow Palace, passing by key sites including Sheriffmuir, the site of a major Jacobite Rebellion in 1715, and The Church of The Holy Rude, where Queen Mary’s son King James VI of Scotland and England was crowned in 1567. Once at Stirling Castle, guests will skip the queue and the large tour group tours and be taken on a private tour with Iris.
Mary’s fascinating story will be brought to life with stories of her time in the historic palace, including how she hosted the first ever firework show to celebrate her son’s christening in the Chapel Royal.
After the history tour, the experience continues back at Gleneagles, where guests will end the day with a specially created ‘Mary Queen of Scots’ cocktail in The Century Bar. A smooth tasting and refreshing cocktail, it is served in a vintage style cocktail glass with a lemon garnish and is a heady mix of Benedictine, Johnnie Walker whisky and absinthe. Guests will also receive a book on Mary Queen of Scots so they can stay immersed in Mary’s life-story and keep it as a souvenir.
On request, trips to additional historic properties associated with Mary and located near Gleneagles including Drummond Castle – where Queen Mary spent some of her honeymoon – Loch Leven Castle, and The Palace of Holyroodhouse can be organised with a Rolls Royce transfer.
The ‘Mary Queen of Scots’ package at Gleneagles costs £2,850, based on two adults sharing an Estate Room for three nights. Rates include dinner one evening in The Birnam Brasserie, guided tours of Stirling Castle and Linlithgow Palace, a Mary Queen of Scots cocktail and a book on Mary Queen of Scots. A Rolls Royce transfer is available – price on request.
The package is available for purchase by contacting Resort Sales on 0800 704 705 or at [email protected]
Since opening its doors in June 1924, Gleneagles has been one of Scotland’s most iconic hotels and sporting estates. Set beneath the Ochil Hills, in the heart of Perthshire, it has been the must-go destination for travellers for nearly a century.
Beginning its life in the glamorous age of travel when guests arrived in great style at Gleneagles’ very own train station, the 850-acre estate epitomises the natural beauty for which Scotland is famed. With its glorious playground of country pursuits and activities, the hotel is reclaiming its position on the social calendar.
Now under new owner Ennismore, Gleneagles has enlisted the skills and expertise of some of the UK’s most acclaimed designers including David Collins Studio, Timorous Beasties, Macaulay Sinclair, Goddard Littlefair and Ennismore’s own in-house design studio – with the aim to create designs and spaces that celebrate the rich, glamorous heritage and beautiful architecture for which the hotel is famed.
