With our 50th issue on the horizon (eek!), we can relate to the sense of achievement Aikwood Tower must be feeling right now, albeit on an even grander scale. The Borders venue is celebrating a landmark year, as 2017 marks the staggering 500th anniversary of King James III granting Aikwood lands to the Scott clan, whose ancestors have owned the estate ever since.
Though heritage is all part of the package at the Grade A-listed tower house and woodland setting, its fresh and extensive renovations are equally as exciting. Our favourite is the magical Cart Shed, bracketed by a generous sweep of glass on one side and original, exposed brickwork on the other. The decorative potential is enormous, as this dreamy set-up styled by Get Knotted demonstrates (use the low, wooden beams to your advantage, by hanging strings of fairy lights, garlands or a series of eclectic pendants), and the space can seat a impressive 70 guests. Its location is ideal too, based only an hour’s drive from the south of Edinburgh.