Auchen Castle is a historic Scottish castle wedding destination in Moffat, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. As of January 2016, the castle is rated a 5 star venue by the Scottish tourist board. Auchen castle has hosted celebrity guests such as the Beatles, Barbara Cartland, Margaret Thatcher and the King of Norway, and is a wedding venue which has attracted several celebrity weddings in recent years. The 26 bedroom Castle has a private lake and falconry school.HistoryThe original castle dates back to 1220, built by Sir Humphrey de Kirkpatrick when he was Senestal of Annandale. The Kirkpatrick family was a close ally of Robert the Bruce and King Robert would have been entertained at Auchen Castle often. The Kirkpatrick clan has long since moved from their seat at Auchen Castle and their estates and holdings came under the ownership of the Clan Johnstone. The Johnstone's remain Lords of Annandale to this day, and the castle as we know it today was largely completed in 1849 by General Johnstone. Through marriage, the castle then went on to Sir William Younger, 1st Baronet, of Auchen Castle of the Youngers brewery family. Over a century and a half later the castle still maintains many original features; such as the Victorian spring water catchments and reservoirs that supply the Hotel today. In the castle grounds there are many unusual species of trees and plants, brought to the estate over the centuries, some of which have a rich history and are of unusual varieties.WeddingsThe castle is one of Scotland's most sought after wedding destinations and is used exclusively for weddings. In 2007 it was the venue for the wedding of model, Michelle Marsh, and footballer Will Haining, which appeared in OK! magazine. Most recently the castle hosted ITV's Good Morning Britain who broadcast 4 weddings live from Auchen Castle on the lead up to Valentines day 2016.