🎉 Friday Welcome Drinks & Burgers! 🍔🍹

Kick off the weekend with us! Join us Friday June 27 at 18:00 at The Beach Hut for some welcome drinks by the sea. We will also have a couple of speeches! 

Drinks, burgers and fries (inc. GF and vegan options) will be available to order. Parking is possible. 

⁠ 📍West Beach, Stotfield Rd, Lossiemouth IV31 6QS 

Schedule: 

🚗 14:00–14:30 – Guests arrive at Threaplands garden centre (park or drop-off). 

Driving directly to Loch na Bo is not possible - please don’t send your taxi/car down the drive, there isn’t space for it and you risk creating a traffic jam 🙏😊

📍Drop off address - Threaplands, Lhanbryde, Elgin IV30 8LN.  Google maps 👉 https://maps.app.goo.gl/GAax9L2qdYHfRgCg7) 

From Threaplands, guests can walk (~10–15 mins) or hop on the shuttle bus to Loch na Bo 

💒 15:00 – Ceremony starts

🥂 15:45 – Toast drinks 

🍸 16:00 – Bar opens 

🎤 17:10 – Speeches 

🍛 17:30 – Food truck opens for dinner

💃 19:00 – Party starts!

🍟 21:00 – Fries 

🍻 23:30 – Last orders at the bar

🚌 23:45 – Shuttle buses start. Those who reserved will have a seat back on the coach to Elgin  

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🚕 Taxi numbers

CnR Taxis Elgin (+441343546546) and A2B Cabs Elgin (+441343556655)

👒 What should you wear? 

• There is no strict dress code. Wear something you feel comfortable in - think festival chic! 🐞

• For men, a suit is perfect. But... a kilt is encouraged! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Many of the Scottish men will be wearing kilts, and the Dutchies are encouraged to to take the opportunity to try one! There is a local kilt hire in Elgin here. You need to book a few weeks in advance. It is usually between £100 - £180 to rent a kilt (usually includes the whole outfit, from sporran, socks, shoes, jacket, shirt etc!). They also do kilts for small children. 

• Ladies - you need flat shoes. There is a lot of grass and the lawn is not manicured, it is mossy and uneven. 

• Bring rain jackets, umbrellas and warm layers for the evening (there is no heating in the tent - and you're in Scotland!). The average tempreature in Scotland in June is highs of 16 degrees and lows of 9 degrees. 

🎁 Wedding gift? 

• If you want to give a gift, a small contribution towards our honeymoon in Egypt, planned for January 2026, would be wonderful! There will be a box to gift cash on the day. 

• In case you prefer to gift electronically, find our Dutch and UK details below ♥️

  • UK bank account: 

Payment link here: https://monzo.me/gracemcleancarter?h=zriTfX 

Name: Grace Carter

Bank: Monzo Bank

Account number: 39813574

Sort code: 04-00-04

• • Dutch bank account:

Payment link here: https://bunq.me/GMCarter

IBAN: NL84 BUNQ 2150 6697 49

BIC: BUNQNL2A

🧳 Be sure to get all your documentation in order to enter the UK  

• Non-UK travellers will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). You can apply for the ETA HERE.

• You need a passport. A Dutch / EU ID card is not enough to enter the UK (@Stef!)

• Dutch travellers can find live information here.  

🏩 Book accommodation 

Accommodation in the local area can get booked up quickly, so it's best to make reservations early. Some ideas: 

• Elgin in the most convenient as it is only 10km from Loch na Bo. It is the largest local town with the most facilities and accommodation options. A few ideas: 

  • • Sunninghill Hotel Elgin is a locally run hotel, located in the middle of Elgin, with a quiet bar stocked full of some great Speyside whisky. The Mansefield, The Mansion House, and the Laichmoray also have many rooms. All of these hotels are walkable from Elgin's train station which has a direct connection to Inverness Airport. 

  • Elgin has plenty Bed and Breakfasts and Airbnbs, which let you stay in more traditional North East homes. We have stayed at St Michaels Guest House a few times and always enjoyed our stay in this listed building in the centre of town. The owner Hazel is very welcoming. It is also walkable from the train station. 

• Villages such as Lossiemouth, Hopeman, and Findhorn are slightly further from Loch na Bo, but much more picturesque! You would definitely need a car if you want to stay there. 

✈️ Book travel

• Airports: 

  • Inverness Airport: The closest airport to Elgin is Inverness Airport, which is approximately 30 miles away (just under 50 km). KLM offers direct flights from Amsterdam to Inverness. There is a direct train connection between Inverness Airport and Elgin if you do not hire a car. However, be mindful that trains in Scotland are much less frequent and reliable than in the Netherlands - give yourself plenty of time. 

• Aberdeen International Airport: Aberdeen Airport (ABZ) is further away (just over 60 miles/97 km), but it's larger and busier, offering more and likely cheaper flight options. There is a train connection between Elgin and Dyce train station. From Dyce, it is a 10 minute taxi to the airport. Again, be mindful that trains in Scotland are much less frequent and reliable than in the Netherlands - give yourself plenty of time. 

• Glasgow or Edinburgh Airports:  Glasgow and Edinburgh airports are located in Scotland's central belt which is a minimum of 3.5 hours drive from Elgin. There are no direct public transport options to either airport from Moray so allow more time for connections to Glasgow/Edinburgh city centres if using these options.

• Ferry: DFDS A 17-hour sail from Amsterdam to Newcastle, followed by a 6+ hour drive to Moray is a long trip - but it is a beautiful drive through some of the most beautiful Scottish landscapes! There are shorter ferry routes available eg Hull to Rotterdam or Harwich to the Hook of Holland, but they involve a lot more driving once in the UK.

🚘 Consider renting a car - toot toot!

Moray is a rural area and public transport links are limited and not cheap. To get the most out of staying in this part of Scotland, car hire is highly recommended! Well known car hire providers (Enterprise, Avis etc) are available at the airports.

MORAYSHIRE 

1. The Whisky capital of Scotland 🥃

Speyside is home to the highest concentration of whisky distilleries in Scotland, with over 50 distilleries producing some of the most renowned single malt Scotch whiskies. People come from all over the world to do whisky tours! You can book tours and tastings. Famous distilleries include: 

• Macallan – Known for its rich, sherried whiskies.

• Glenfiddich – One of the world's best-selling single malts.

• Balvenie – Famous for its traditional production methods.

• Aberlour – Known for its sherried and spicy character.

• Glenlivet – One of the oldest legal distilleries in Scotland.

2. The Moray Coast 🌊

Moray’s coastline offers stunning natural beauty, including sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, and picturesque fishing villages. Some popular spots include:

• Cullen Beach – Famous for its sandy beach and the Cullen Viaduct, a historic railway bridge.

• Findhorn – A peaceful village with a charming beach 

  • 🌳 The Findhorn Foundation in the village of Findhorn is an internationally recognized eco-village and spiritual community. Visitors can explore the gardens, go to the restaurant/cafe, attend yoga classes, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

  • 🧖🏼‍♀️Swim and sauna! Findhorn has a 'watershed' sauna - nordic style mobile sauna' - to enjoy after a refreshing dip in the North sea.  You can reserve a seat by the hour.

• 🐬  The Scottish Dolphin Centre in Spey Bay - The Moray Firth is famous for being one of the best places in Europe to see bottlenose dolphins. is a great spot to observe these playful creatures, and you can also spot seals and other marine wildlife.

3. Hiking 🥾

• The Moray Coast Trail – A long-distance walking trail that stretches along the coastline, offering breathtaking views.

• Cairngorms National Park – The park offers a variety of trails for hiking, biking, and wildlife spotting.

• Ben Rinnes mountain near Dufftown is a popular destination for hikers seeking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. 

4. Luxury cashmere 🧣

Johnstons of Elgin is particularly celebrated for its luxury cashmere products, famous for supllying some of the most notable fashion brands in the world (Prada, Chanel, Burbery...). Come buy your cashmere direct from Johstons for a fraction of the price! The company is one of the oldest and most prestigious cashmere manufacturers in Scotland. 

If you decide not to buy an expensive scarf, Johnstons also has a very nice cafe and offers tours of the Mill (in Dutch too!) 

5. Golfing ⛳

Moray is known for its golf and is home to several world-class golf courses, making it a popular destination for golf enthusiasts. Here are some of the notable golf courses in the region:

• Nairn Golf Club: Situated in the coastal town of Nairn, this club is home to one of the top links courses in Scotland. The Nairn Golf Course has hosted several major events, including the Walker Cup and Scottish Open. Its stunning location along the Moray Firth offers breathtaking views of the coast.

• Lossiemouth Golf Club: This club boasts two courses:

  • The Lossiemouth Old Course – A classic links course, known for its scenic beauty and challenging holes.

  • The Lossiemouth New Course – Another great option for golfers, offering a unique challenge and views of the coast.

6. Fishing 🎣

The River Spey is one of Scotland's longest and fastest-flowing rivers. It is world-famous for salmon fishing and provides the pure water essential for whisky production.

7. Historic sites and castles 🏰

Moray boasts a rich history, with attractions such as:

• Ballindalloch Castle – A stunning, privately owned castle.

• Elgin Cathedral – Known as the "Lantern of the North."

• Balvenie Castle – A medieval fortress near Dufftown.

TRAVELLING BEYOND MORAY? HERE ARE SOME RECOMMENDATIONS: 

Scotland is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, offering a range of landscapes from rugged coastlines to serene lochs and towering mountains. Most, if not all, involve a lot of driving on narrow or even single track roads (public transport is limited, mostly non-existent). The will take some time to reach, but the beauty is well worth the drive! Here are some top nature destinations to explore:

• Isle of Skye

• Glencoe

• Loch Ness & The Great Glen

• Cairngorms National Park

• Other islands: Islay; Barra; Harris; Lewis; Arran... and many more!  

Scotland's biggest cities are well worth a visit, each with its own unique character and attractions:

• Edinburgh: Known for its medieval Old Town, with cobbled streets and the iconic Edinburgh Castle, and its elegant Georgian New Town, the city offers a fascinating contrast of old and new. It’s a cultural hub, famous for its world-renowned festivals like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and boasts breathtaking views from spots like Arthur's Seat and Calton Hill. With a deep literary heritage, charming neighborhoods, and a welcoming atmosphere, Edinburgh is a city that seamlessly merges tradition and modernity, offering something for everyone.

• Glasgow: Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city, known for its vibrant energy, rich industrial heritage, and thriving cultural scene, where the motto "People Make Glasgow" truly comes to life. A hub for art, music, and design, Glasgow boasts an impressive array of galleries, such as the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the Gallery of Modern Art. Glasgow is also renowned for its lively nightlife, with a diverse range of pubs, bars, and live music venues.