Historic Lanarkshire castle has a bright future

For the latest Property of the Week we travel to the historic Shieldhill Castle which is undergoing a multi-million pound refurbishment to become a luxury wedding and events venue.
Shieldhill Castle was originally the ‘Big House’ of a private estate owned by the Chancellor familyShieldhill Castle was originally the ‘Big House’ of a private estate owned by the Chancellor family
Shieldhill Castle was originally the ‘Big House’ of a private estate owned by the Chancellor family

Located in Biggar, the Class B listed building was purchased in 2019 by Quothquan businessman Colin Frame who has a long association with the property having cut the grass for pocket money in his teens to getting married there in 2015.

Set within six acres of gardens and wooded park land, Shieldhill Castle was originally the ‘Big House’ of a private estate owned by the Chancellor family, with the original building dates back to the 12th century.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

William Chancellor fought for Mary Queen of Scots at the Battle of Langside, and as a result the Chancellors’ main house at Quothquan was destroyed by the victors, with Shieldhill becoming their main family seat.

Phase 1 of the refurbishment was completed in SeptemberPhase 1 of the refurbishment was completed in September
Phase 1 of the refurbishment was completed in September

The oldest remaining part of Shieldhill today is a square keep which is of a style dated to the 16th century, and served as the main entrance into the castle until 1820.

Shieldhill was occupied by the Chancellor family until the 20th century, and since 1959 has been a hotel that has seen visits and stays from some famous people; including Nelson Mandela in 1997 who planted an oak tree that sits proudly in front of the castle.

A full renovation and phase 1 completed at Shieldhill in September allowed the venue to open reception rooms to the general public. Phase 2 is well underway which will see all rooms finished in advance of full wedding venue launch. Longer term plans include a new marquee, hot tubs and potentially a spa and wellbeing centre.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Every Thursday evening in March, the castle’s team will be hosting a virtual wedding fayre with guest speakers discussing everything from flowers, bands, cakes and stationery.

As well as owning Shieldhill Castle, Colin is also managing director and founder of Scottish technology startup Stellar Omada, which quadrupled its revenue in 2020 and now employs 50 people.

He said: “I was born and bred in the area and I'm incredibly proud and humbled to have the opportunity and responsibility of restoring what is such a historic part of the local community.”