CARSE OF GOWRIE RESORT ANNOUNCES EXPANSION
Silverwood Estate at Errol adds Rustic Bistro & Wedding Barn to its growing portfolio-
New leisure and wedding resort, Silverwood at Errol, has announced that it is to open a custom built Rustic Bistro & Wedding Barn, to capitalise on burgeoning foodie and wedding markets throughout the Carse of Gowrie area.
The 150 cover Bistro, currently under construction by local firm Alba Cabins, will create seven new jobs when it opens in early August.
Picking up on Silverwood’s relaxed, rural style, and picturesque location, with its own trout lochan forming a centrepiece, the Bistro’s design reflects that of a traditional log cabin, with a clean, contemporary edge, and some quirky features. Stunning wrought iron style lighting, comfortable sofas and soft furnishings will feature, together with a bar with a wood clad frontage.
Also recently added to the resort in the same log cabin style, is an office and reception building near Silverwood’s entrance, and a charming wooden pagoda bedecked with foliage, which is ideal for an intimate bridal ceremony.
Owned and run by Rod Sim and his wife Adelle, Silverwood initially launched last year offering thirteen luxury self catering lodges for sale as managed investments. Finding itself at the centre of a radius of wedding venues, many without additional guest accommodation on site, the couple realised there was huge potential to service this market, with Silverwood able to initially accommodate up to sixty four wedding guests in the one location. Planning approval has now come through for a further six more lodges, to sleep a total of ninety people.
The growing business soon put together its own wedding packages to host weddings on site. Rather than offering marquee events, Rod and Adelle decided to invest in a bespoke structure which could host exclusive use weddings and events, together with offering locally sourced food, including trout from its own lochan
“We are delighted to be at this stage now with the business, with the imminent opening of our fantastic new Bistro, which will launch to market first, with our Wedding Barn following on as an extension to the main building shortly afterwards,” said Silverwood Managing Director, Rod Sim.
“We have two weddings booked in for this year, eight for next year, and two already booked for 2021, such is the demand for venues in this beautiful Carse of Gowrie area.”
“Alba Cabins have been extremely professional to work with, in realising our vision and creating this custom built building which will be a real asset to the resort. It’s all coming together well, and we estimate an official launch next month,” added Rod.
“Most importantly, we now feel that we are starting to establish a signature style here at Silverwood, with the use of clean, modern timber, which complements our luxury lodges.”
With the facility to fish the trout loch, which is currently on a “catch and release” basis, Silverwood plans to offer fishermen the opportunity to have their trout cooked to order in the new Bistro.
“Our food here will also be very clean and modern – simple and unfussy, focusing on good quality produce and seasonality,” said Rod. “We think it will be something of a USP for the business to say you can fish the loch and eat your fresh catch straight afterwards.”
“We have a great chef lined up who will provide a stunning, varied menu showcasing local fish, meat, and fresh local vegetables and berries. We’ve also teamed up with renowned artisan bakery, Wild Hearth of Comrie, who will provide their signature sourdough breads and sourdough pastries. We hope to become known for delicious homebaking too, for the many local customers who will pop in for coffee and cake.”
Rod explained that the next major phase of development at Silverwood, currently with planning, would see fifteen more privately owned holiday lodges cited on the estate, together with a new pitch n putt area, activity area, and children’s play park.
“With such a picturesque setting, and on site golf, fishing and dining, Silverwood is an ideal location for families to enjoy Perthshire and Angus,” said Rod Sim. “With so much family entertainment ten minutes either way, to Perth or Dundee, there is lots on offer. Silverwood is also a great location at which to enjoy some quiet time too,” he added.
“We’re also delighted that we have achieved a brown sign for the business, which will be in place soon to mark us as a destination attraction,” finished Rod. “It’s a very exciting time for us and we can’t wait to show off Silverwood’s latest offerings to our new customer base.”
Further details www.silverwoodlodges.co.uk.
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
