The castle is in a perfect position for enjoying the best of Scottish golf courses. Carnoustie, home to the Golf Open in 2018, is 20 minutes from the door and The Trump course, Royal Aberdeen and St Andrews Links and Fairmont around 1 hour from here. There are also several qualifying courses even closer.
The testing Montrose links is a favourite with all our golfing guests and is one of the oldest courses in the world with a history stretching back over 450 years. The Blairgowrie Golf (Club boasts two championship courses, the Lansdowne and the Rosemount that offer a challenge to even the best of golfers. The Edzell golf course, lying at the gateway to the Grampians is a very welcoming club with a beautiful backdrop.
There are lockers for golf clubs downstairs. Come with a large group and enjoy complete relaxation with a fully catered package or mix and match with some local restaurants. There is no point trailing around with luggage and we can arrange transport to and from any course. Just ask.
The Southesk river is known for its salmon and sea trout and Kinnaird has three beats on the river Southesk, the Upper, Middle and Lower with five miles of double-bank fishing to suit varying abilities and budgets, starting from 1 mile below Brechin and stretching to the Montrose basin. The Southesk was known for its spring salmon runs but in recent years there has been a more even distribution of catches and there are sea trout to be caught in the summer months.
The river is an attractive ten-minute walk from the castle and on the Upper Beat the fishing hut is a haven for fishermen and guests who just want to soak up the atmosphere, so it is ideal for a mixed party with some who are less keen on catching fish. There is a rod-box at the entrance to the Macduff Tower and a large storage area in the Barony Apartment.
The season on the Southesk river runs from 16th February – 31st October and fishing can be booked either through the website especially if you would like to combine with the apartment or on Fishpal.com to see what is free.
The Upper Beat has 11 named pools from Kinnaird Dyke to the Boat Pool below the footbridge, this stretch of river with banks covered with wild flowers is renowned for its spring fishing below the salmon ladder.
The fishing hut, attached to the Fishers Cottage, is as roomy and homely as you could wish to find with arm chairs, a large table and a decent log fire – a welcome addition during those spring weeks – hot and cold running water and a WC.
The Middle Beat hosts seven named pools from the “Willows” to “Haughs Rough”. Steady improvements to the beat over the years by way of croys and bank work has improved catches dramatically over the last few years – especially in the Autumn. The cosy fishing hut, sits in an elevated position, overlooking the river on a picturesque corner.
The Lower Beat and Powmouth also offer good value alternatives for daily rods.
Kinnaird has always been known for its shooting. Generations of Carnegies have been keen shots and the 800 acres of parkland and woods has been laid out for that purpose and maintained by the forestry department. Outside of the Park there are some dramatic contours but in general the shooting is suitable for every ability.
The estate offers larger days of over 150 with a complimentary lunch, starting with drinks and a casserole and hot pudding for the eight guns. Guests will be welcomed at the front door and taken into the ante- hall for a coffee and a warm up. At the end of the day there is also the opportunity to relax and chat through things in the dedicated gun room.
We can equally arrange walked up days with smaller bags for just a handful of people within the park. With any of these we are happy to discuss individual requirements and will always try and accommodate individual requests.
Two gamekeepers manage the shoot and they also support surrounding syndicates with rearing and keepering. They organise a team of beaters and dog handlers for picking up.
For the ultimate relaxation we can offer shooting parties the option of staying for the night before or after the shoot (or even both!). Eight bedrooms with their own bathrooms combined with the services of a chef will ensure a great experience.
Angus has always been the little-known neighbour to the more visited Perthshire and Aberdeenshire and so has not had the attention that it deserves. The towns are welcoming and traditional and the scenery dramatic yet accessible.
There is something to suit everyone in the area, from the ruined splendour of Edzell and Dunnottar Castles to boating trips from Arbroath harbour on fishing or lighthouse adventures. You could explore the gorgeous tree-filled Angus glens or try your hand at surfing on Lunan Bay followed by a warming café stop on the beach to and finish with buying fresh farm foods.
Montrose, Brechin, Forfar, Arbroath and Kirriemuir are pretty and distinctive, unspoiled towns with good restaurants and independent shops. For those wanting a bit of culture Dundee is close and features the new V&A museum which is receiving so much attention. There is also a great repertory theatre, the Verdant works and the McManus gallery. Aberdeen is also less than one hour away.
The Caledonian Steam railway passes close to the castle and is a great trip for train enthusiasts and children. For those with a keen interest in the historical, Glamis Castle, Edzell Castle and the House of Dun are within easy striking distance. A bit further afield are the great castles of Aberdeenshire including Dunottar, set in spectacular fashion on the cliffs and the better known Balmoral and Crathes.
Hiking, riding and bicycling trails can be found nearby and we have prepared a file of everything you would wish to do in both apartments.