Welcome to the Birnam Hotel

Well, first of all, welcome to the first blog of the Birnam Hotel.  We thought that we'd take this opportunity to tell you a little about the hotel, before we tell you about the various events and happenings of the hotel!!!


In true Scottish Baronial Style the hotel stands on the south bank of the River Tay, Scotland's premier salmon fishing river. Close to the hotel stands the Birnam Oak, the Last remnant of Birnam Wood made famous in Shakespeare's Macbeth.

The Birnam Hotel is steeped in history, from the Great Fire in 1912, to the visits by the King of Spain and by the French Empress, though at different times. The French Empress stayed at the hotel when the railway terminated at Birnam. She travelled incognito as a Countess and visited the Duke of Atholl who was in residence in Dunkeld. The Duke and Countess toured Scotland together during her stay. We may wonder if romance blossomed.

The Birnam Hotel was much patronised by the nobility and gentry during the second half of the last century. It was said that if a young man wished to enter society he should first spend a month here to observe its manners.

After a major fire some years ago the hotel has been fully refurbished and redecorated to a high and truly individual standard, yet still retains the individuality and charm for which it is renowned.

Today, the Birnam Hotel offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, whilst still retaining the character of the building.  From the reception with our picture wall showing some of the history of this area and our main staircase with it's beautiful architecture, the Birnam offers a warm welcome, whether you are visiting for a relaxing break, a conference or on your wedding day.

Each of our 28 rooms are individually and tastefully decorated by the owners and care has been taken to compliment the hotel's unique style.

The rooms all have en suite facilities, with freeview television, direct dial telephone and tea and coffee making facilities.

The Birnam Hotel is well renowned for hosting weddings and large functions in the magnificent Baronial Hall, or smaller functions in the Oak Restaurant, the Scots Bar, the Cameron Suite and the Lennox Suite. The Birnam Hotel has a room to suit every event.

Baronial Hall - seating for up to 135

Oak Restaurant - seating for up to 50

Scots Bar - seating for up to 40

Cameron Suite - seating for up to 24

Birnam Inn - seating for up to 76

Lennox Suite - seating for up to 10

We are happy to cater for groups, families, coach parties, funerals and business conferences and meetings. We have meeting facilities suitable for all sizes of parties, while our grand Baronial Hall is perfectly suited to weddings, parties, receptions and larger functions.
Courses can be arranged on a daily delegate rate and we have the perfect facilities for catering and breakout rooms. Just let us know in advance what equipment you require and we will be happy to arrange this.

The Baronial Hall

The truly spectacular Baronial Hall is the ideal venue for weddings, dinners, dances and large functions.

If you're planning a celebration or special occasion we have a dedicated team on hand to make sure everything runs smoothly and professionally.

With its own bar facilities, the Baronial Hall can comfortably hold 135 guests and has a picturesque view of the Beatrix Potter Gardens. Modelled on the grand hall in Blair Castle with its high vaulted beam ceiling, it gives an air of grandeur rarely seen in modern venues.

Well that is probably enough information for our first blog, but we hope you have enjoyed learning a little (or should that be quite a bit) of information about the hotel.  We'll be back tomorrow to let you know more about the hotel, as a wedding venue and also the Birnam Inn, Birnam & Dunkeld's only Italian restaurant.