Lauriston Castle was left in trust in 1926 at the death of the last owner, Mrs Margaret Johnstone Barton. In a joint understanding with her husband, Mr W.R. Reid, and her brother W.D. Barton, it was agreed that the last of them surviving would give the house, contents and grounds to the Scottish nation. The Edinburgh Corporation (today The City of Edinburgh Council) accepted perpetual trusteeship of the Lauriston Castle Trust from the Secretary of State for Scotland and took over the day to day management of the castle and grounds.
The beautiful grounds are available for wedding photography for a fee of £100, however we do not offer the grounds or castle as a wedding venue.
The castle is a well-preserved museum containing many fragile objects and nationally important collections, and we are under a trust obligation to maintain the rooms exactly as they were left at the death of Mrs Reid in 1926. Using them for ceremonies and receptions would go against the purpose of the Lauriston Castle Trust and the spirit of the Museum Association’s Code of Ethics.
If you wish to discuss hiring the grounds for wedding photography, please email the Steward or telephone 0131 336 2060.
The Castle is open by guided tour only; there is no need to book in advance.
April through October: Monday - Thursday at 2pm; Saturday and Sunday at 2pm.
November through March: Saturday and Sunday at 2pm.
Guided tours for parties of 10+ can be booked outwith these times by phoning 0131 336 2060 or by emailing lauristoncastle@edinburgh.gov.uk
Admission:
Adult: £5 (2pm tour); £8 (out of hours)
Child (under 16): £3 (2pm tour); £5 (out of hours)
Concessions: £3 (2pm tour); £5 (out of hours)
Family (up to two adults and three children under 16): £12.50 (2pm tour)
Group (10+): £3 (2pm tour)
Yes, there is a small area for prams and buggies; please ask the Steward / Assistant Steward for help.
Items are left at the owner's own risk.