Scottish Hunting Lodge

One of the finest examples of a Victorian hunting lodge, Mar is located near Balmoral in Royal Deeside, and was formerly the residence of the Princess Royal, daughter of King Edward VII. She married the estate's owner, the 6th Earl of Fife, later 1st Duke of Fife. In 1995, Mar Lodge was acquired by the National Trust for Scotland.

Mar Lodge is set in the heart of the Cairngorm mountains and as a traditional Highland estate - with numerous cottages, bothies, waterfalls, burns, wildlife, flora and fauna - offers a variety of stunning backdrops for all types of photographs and filming opportunities. The royal connection makes Mar of great historical importance and the interiors are quite magnificent and so representative of the traditional Victorian opulence associated with hunting lodges. There is a wealth of native Caledonian pine forests, heather moors and vast tracts of unspoiled wilderness which provide romantic and classic settings for all outdoor film shoots whether they be for fashion, car launches, advertisements or television programs. There are good facilities for accommodating film crews, caterers, extras and the chance to provide wet weather cover or even some limited studio work if required.

Mar Lodge is 90 minutes from Aberdeen Airport by car and 30 minutes by helicopter. It is a traditional Highland Victorian hunting lodge with stunning interiors. There is excellent backdrop for photographic shoots and a large area of flat lawns for marquees and tents. The Royal Ballroom can accommodate up to 300 standing and there is an experienced in-house and estate staff to help (outside caterers can be arranged if necessary). Mar is located on vast tracts of unspoiled wilderness so there are no interruptions from pylons, cars trains or lights.

There are a large number of activities available both on the estate and in the area. Mar Lodge as a traditional hunting lodge offers first class stalking opportunities with highly experienced gillies using ponies as opposed to argocats. There are fine golf courses at Braemar, Ballater, Aboyne and Banchory offering a range of challenging and picturesque courses where tee times can be arranged in advance to avoid delays and disappointment. Mar Lodge offers some most exciting walked up grouse shooting tailored to the guests requirements. Salmon fishing is available locally on Deeside on the River Dee as well as trout fishing and both can be organized in advance. There is both cross country and downhill skiing at Glenshee.

Mar Lodge also has many castles and Historic Sites nearby. Balmoral Castle (Scottish home of the Queen), Braemar castle, Crathes Castle and gardens, Keith Hall and gardens, Drum Castle and gardens, Fyvie Castle, Pitmedden gardens and Castle Fraser and gardens are all within an easy drive of Mar Lodge. Pony trey trekking is available on Balmoral estate up until the end of July and also locally on Deeside and at Glenshee and the Glentaner estate. There are 14 Munros (hills over 3,000 ft.) on the estate, numerous Corbetts (smaller hills) as well as a wide variety of shorter walks.

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