Ten of the best places for private dining in Scotland
We Scots love a great party. Few things can be better than spending time socialising with friends and family while sampling some of the best produce of this country's wonderful natural larder.
However, key to the mood, atmosphere and enjoyment of any event is the setting. Thankfully, there are many, many excellent venues - no matter where you are in Scotland - that cater for just an occasion.
Choosing the right restaurant for your dinner party can be a pain, but we've picked out ten of the best venues around the country that are perfect for any private dining event:
29, Glasgow 29 Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow G1 3AJ, 0141 225 5615
Hidden away among some of the more lively bars in the Royal Exchange Square, you may struggle to find this wonderful little venue but it's well worth the effort.
With six different rooms on offer for hire, including their wonderful Supper Club, Oyster Bar and Grill Room they cater for a variety of tastes and needs.
Best of all their excellent roof terrace is now Champagne Lanson's flagship outdoor space in Scotland.
Ox & Finch, Glasgow 920 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G3 7TF, 0141 339 8627
One of the more contemporary offerings, Ox and Finch is on this list for one reason and one reason only - the food.
Their private dining room can accommodate up to 14 people and offers stunning tapas style dishes, created using the freshest locally sourced ingredients.
The chefs at the Ox and Finch create some of the most delicious culinary art anywhere in Glasgow.
Balbirnie House, Fife Balbirnie Park, Markinch Village, by Glenrothes Fife, KY7 6NE, 01592 610066
Well known for its excellent service and food, this elegant 18th-century Georgian mansion on 400 acres of parkland, offers plenty of private dining rooms for any occasion.
Your menus can be tailored to suit your event and you'll also given access to the wonderful Balbirnie House specialities - their seasonal menus feature hot smoked fish from Balbirnie’s in-house smoker, their House terrine, speciality Aberdeen Angus beef steak, and even their own homemade ice creams, all made on the premises.
Their two unique restaurants, the Orangey - for more formal dining - and the Bistro - for informal dining - are also available for renting out to larger parties.
210 Bistro, Aberdeen 210 South Market Street, Aberdeen, AB11 5PQ, 01224 211857
With menus that are designed to be flexible, so that they can be tailored to suit all tastes and budgets, the 210Bistro's private dining room are perfect for groups ranging from the small - 10 people - to the large - up to 80 people.
Their third floor private dining room boasts fantastic views over Aberdeen harbour and has its own private bar, you will also be given your own personal waiting staff to help you make the most of your event.
The RRS Discovery, Dundee Discovery Point, Discovery Quay, Dundee DD1 4XA, 01382 309060
For a truly unique dining experience you can hire out the RRS Discovery's magnificent mahogany panelled Wardroom where Captain Scott and his officers’ dined in Antarctica from 1901-1904. Up to fourteen people will be given their own chef and waiting team to enjoy this truly spectacular setting.
Dinner includes a private tour above and below deck of this beautiful ship.
Dryburgh Abbey Hotel, Melrose Dryburgh Abbey Hotel, St Boswells, Melrose, Scottish Borders, Scotland TD6 0RQ, 01835 822261
Situated in a picturesque area in the Borders, Dryburgh Abbey Hotel is a historic baronial Scottish country house that offers a number of splendid venues as the perfect setting for any dinner event.
On offer is the wonderful Tweed restaurant with its stunning chandelier and river views, or the smaller, quieter Abbey and Garden Rooms.
Menus can be tailored to suit a variety of tastes and budgets and attentive staff will be on hand to make the night go smoothly.
IX Restaurant – Chester Hotel, Aberdeen 59-63 Queens Road, Aberdeen AB15 4YP, Scotland, phone: 01224 327 777
The award-winning IX restaurant in Aberdeen's luxurious Chester Hotel offers three secluded and atmospheric private dining areas. The biggest of which - the Granite Balcony - can sit up to 24 people and features some wonderful views of Aberdeen's southern skyline.
The Chester Hotel’s culinary team is led by classically trained, award-winning executive chef Kevin Dalgleish, and creates dishes using the finest Scottish ingredients.
Kirroughtree Country House Hotel, Newton Stewart Dumfries and Galloway, DG8 6AN, Scotland, 01671 402 141
Kirroughtree House is country mansion dating back to the 1700's and set within 6 acres of gardens. Their chef uses the finest ingredients and suppliers sourced from around Dumfries and Galloway to create their dishes - Mull of Galloway lobster, Cree Salmon, Kirroughtree venison Wigtown Bay wild fowl and cairnsmore cheese are just some of the produce on offer.
The House offers any of its restaurants for private dining and can seat up to 40 guests, best of all should you need to, there is plenty of accommodation to enjoy should you wish to carry on the party into the wee hours.