Travel

Travel Note

UK Visa Requirements

If you are traveling from the United States for a short visit (< 6 months stay) you will need to apply for a ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) before traveling.

Hotel

Drumtochty Castle

Drumtochty Castle offers on-site accommodations, and we hope you can stay with us during the celebration! Rooms are available Monday, November 9 through Thursday, November 12. If your schedule is limited, we recommend staying Monday and Tuesday for the welcome dinner (+dancing) and wedding day. To reserve a room, please let us know your party size and nights. We will coordinate all room assignments with the venue on your behalf. Please note that rooms will be arranged through us, and payment for accommodations will be made directly to us rather than the venue.

Travel Note

Which airport should I fly into?

The closest airports are: Aberdeen International Airport (~40 minutes from the venue) Edinburgh Airport (~2–2.5 hours away – more flight options & things to see and do!) Note: There are typically no direct flights from California to Aberdeen or Edinburgh, so most itineraries will include a connection - often through London or another major European city.

Travel Note

Getting to the Venue

All events will take place at Drumtochty Castle. From Aberdeen: Taxi or Uber (~40 minutes) From Edinburgh: Train to Stonehaven (see below) + taxi, Uber Private transfer Rental car (see notes below) Transportation note: We do not plan to organize a shuttle, but we highly recommend coordinating with other guests to share taxis, Uber or book a shuttle together where possible. Taxi tip: We recommend pre-booking taxis where possible, especially for arrival and departure, as options in rural areas can be limited. Uber is available in the larger cities, but more limited in rural areas and small towns.

Travel Note

Trains to the Venue

You can take a train from either Edinburgh or Aberdeen in to Stonehaven, which is about 20 minutes from the castle. Then take a taxi to Drumtochty. Again, we recommend pre-booking taxis where possible (Ubers are not always available in small towns).

Travel Note

Travel Tips

Ubers are available at airport. Days are short (sunset is ~4 pm). If driving read up on how to approach and navigate roundabouts, buying gas/petrol (often you fill up first then pay inside) and be aware of hazardous road conditions (black ice).

Travel Note

Car Rental

Rental cars are an option, especially if you plan to explore Scotland before or after the wedding. However, we strongly recommend NOT renting a car just for the wedding, because: - Roads may be icy in November (black ice is prominent and very dangerous). - Driving is on the left side of the road, which can be challenging if you’re not used to it - Roads are narrow and sometimes one-way (Heather can regale you with some tales...) If you do rent a car, we suggest coordinating with a group to share and get a small one as roads are narrow and gas is expensive!

Travel Note

When should I book flights?

We recommend booking flights as early as you’re able, especially for international travel. Prices and availability tend to be better the sooner you book.

Travel Note

Shuttel Services

Shuttles Around Edinburgh: 1. Eagle Transfer Phone: +44 7447 201200 / +44 7727 233300 Email: info@eagletransfer.co.uk Website: https://eagletransfer.co.uk/contact-us/?utm_source=chatgpt.com 2. Celtic Transfers Phone: +44 7481 164809 Email: edinburgh@celtictransfers.com info.celtictransfers@gmail.com Website: https://celtictransfers.co.uk/?utm_source=chatgpt.com 3. CabAir Phone / WhatsApp: +44 7538 604490 Email: info@cabair.co.uk Website: https://cabair.co.uk/?utm_source=chatgpt.com 4. Capital MiniBuses & Coaches (Edinburgh Travels) Phone: +44 131 563 4804 Website: https://edinburghtravels.co.uk 5. Edinburgh Airport Transfers Ltd Phone: +44 7511 252200 Website: https://edinburghairporttransfer.co.uk ------------- Shuttles Around Aberdeen: 1. Aberdeen Minibus Services Phone: +44 7709 896893 Email: eddie@aberdeenminibusservices.com Website: https://aberdeenminibusservices.com/contact-us/?utm_source=chatgpt.com 2. AB Transfer Ltd Phone: +44 7462 188388 Website: https://abtransfer.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com 3. Aberdeen Minibus & Coach Hire Email: https://minibushireinaberdeen.co.uk