Traquair House Brewery

Scotland's oldest, longest continuously inhabited house also produces some highly regarded ales, some to ancient recipes. No doubt the house would have had its own brewery in centuries gone by – with a guest list including Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie, it's hard to think otherwise – but it wasn't until the father of the current Lady of the Manor, Catherine Maxwell-Stuart, stumbled upon some old brewing kit in an outbuilding that the modern era began.

Today the beers are still fermented in the original 18th century oak vessels, and head brewer Ian Cameron dips into old recipes for some of his creations, like his Jacobite Ale, complete with a handful of coriander.

The house is well worth a visit, there's plenty for the young to do – including a maze – and the 1745 Cottage Restaurant in the walled garden with its patio serves homemade fare – soups, cakes & light meals – and, of course, Traquair's ales.

You can even get married at Traquair.

Eco-friendly initiatives

• Lighter bottles
• Silver Award – Green Tourism Business Scheme

Annual Events

• Traquair Medieval Fayre – May
• Traquair Fair 6/6 – August
• Traquair Festive Fayre – November, see News

Community

Traquair House supports Traquair Charitable Trust

Trade bodies

SIBA, Visit Scotland, Historic Houses Association, Federation of Small Businesses, Scottish Borders Chambers of Commerce

4 star Visit Scotland Attraction

Fuller review to come following visit