Future of north-east ‘Game of Thrones castle’ to be discussed at council meeting

A north-east castle, which provided the backdrop to a celebrity wedding, could soon become holiday accommodation.

Wardhill Castle, near Meikle Wartle, Inverurie, has been owned by Clan Leslie since the 1100s.

Two years ago, it was the backdrop for the wedding of Game of Thrones stars Kit Harington and Rose Leslie, whose father is Aberdeenshire councillor Sebastian Leslie.

The same year, the Press and Journal reported that the castle was available for short breaks, and described as “something quite magical” by owners William Arbuthnot Leslie and his wife Sarah.

But earlier this year, it emerged the couple had stated they were “not aware” they needed permission to use their castle as a holiday retreat.

They have since applied for retrospective planning permission to change the use of the castle and an adjoining bothy, and say in their application that they hope the change of use will “bring in people from around the globe to the local area” – supporting local tourism and trade.

Members of the Garioch area committee will be asked to back the planning application at their meeting tomorrow.

Officers say although it deviates from policy, the proposal “encourages the active and continue use of a historical listed building which supports social and economic benefits to the wider area”.