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Scotsman
16-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Inside 'fairytale' Scottish castle on sale for over £2.6 million
If you ever fantasised about living in a fairytale castle as a child, this stunning lochside property near Edinburgh could make your childhood dreams come true. Overlooking Otterston Loch, Couston Castle has been restored over the years to the highest standard, providing its residents with a perfect blend of historic features and high-end modern amenities. With a history which can be traced back to the 16th century, Couston Castle has been remodelled several times, including once with involvement from James V, King of Scots. It fell into disrepair in the early 19th century, when its stone was used to provide farm steading. For over a century it remained a ruin, but in the 1980s Dunfermline businessman Alastair Harper purchased the castle and began restoring it to its former glory using as many original materials as possible. Most of the present Couston Castle is modern, with its historic features restored where possible. The castle has been further upgraded by its current owners who use it as a family home, with a modern kitchen and new bathrooms, which have brought the finish of the property up to a very high standard. Its amenities include a cinema, home office and gym, five bedrooms, five bathrooms, two WCs as well as a vaulted sitting room, dining room and drawing room. There is also a guest flat above the triple garage, with one bedroom. Set within 5.37 acres of land, which is surrounded by loch, it enjoys a rural location with formal gardens and outbuildings. Despite its private location, it is close to Aberdour in Fife and just 18 miles from Edinburgh City Centre. Now on the market for offers over £2,650,000, enquiries can be directed to Knight Frank. 1 . The vaulted sitting room On the ground floor, the vaulted sitting room includes the 'Great Fireplace' which was reduced from the loch while the Couston Castle was being restored. | Knight Frank Photo Sales 2 . The dining room On the ground floor, there is a dining room, connected to the inner courtyard with its Chess Board and the kitchen. It is complete with Caithness stone flooring and pillars. | Knight Frank Photo Sales 3 . The kitchen Open plan to the dining room, the kitchen features a five-metre island unit with granite worktop and breakfast bar. Also in the kitchen is a separate island unit for serving the dining area. | Knight Frank Photo Sales 4 . Another view of the kitchen The kitchen features Gaggenau appliances including four ovens, wine fridge and fridge freezer. | Knight Frank Photo Sales Related topics: PropertyFife
Business Wire
08-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
American Water Announces Recipients of 2025 James V. LaFrankie Scholarship Awards
BUSINESS WIRE)-- American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., today announced recipients of the annual James V. LaFrankie Scholarship Awards. The awards were distributed nationwide to 10 college-bound students of full-time American Water employees who demonstrate an interest in water industry-related occupational fields. Lori Sutton, SVP and Chief Human Resources Officer, American Water shares, 'Investing in our employees is a cornerstone of our values, and we are proud to help foster the next generation of leaders and innovators." Share 'At American Water, we are honored to support the academic growth and future aspirations of our employees' families through the James V. LaFrankie Scholarship Awards,' said Lori Sutton, SVP and Chief Human Resources Officer, American Water. 'Investing in our employees is a cornerstone of our values, and we are proud to help foster the next generation of leaders and innovators.' Out of 93 submitted applications, an independent, third-party organization selected 10 high school seniors based on their outstanding records, academic honors, participation in extracurricular activities and teacher recommendations. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded for one year and may be renewed for up to three years based on the student's academic progress. Below are the scholarship award recipients and American Water employees: Cy Carlson – Jody Carlson, Vice President, Operations, Missouri American Water Vivian Chen – Hao Chen, Senior Project Engineer, Virginia American Water Addison Dillon – Michael Dillon Jr., Shift Mechanic, New Jersey American Water Jaclyn Fealy – Nicole Fealy, Senior Operational Systems Analyst, American Water Abigail Johnes – Dennis Johnes, DFW Inspector, Missouri American Water Francesco LoGrippo – Mark LoGrippo, Senior Manager, Business Development, New Jersey American Water Marin Purcell – Michael Purcell, Senior Project Manager, American Water Allison Shaw – Jana Shaw, Operations Specialist, New Jersey American Water Laney Williams – Christopher Williams, Senior Foreperson, Virginia American Water Thomas Yuan – Peter Yuan, Principal Financial Analyst, American Water 'On behalf of the LaFrankie family, congratulations to the 2025 James V. LaFrankie Scholarship award recipients,' said Jane LaFrankie. For 44 years our father worked his way up the ranks within American Water. He was so proud of his American Water family, as were we. Our father was a big believer in giving back to the community and these awards are a way of giving back to aspiring young students of American Water employees. My brothers and sister and I look forward every year to learn more about the student honorees and wish them all much success in their studies—and perhaps becoming a future American Water employee!' The American Water Board of Directors established the scholarship program in 1991 in honor of former American Water president, James V. LaFrankie, who demonstrated the value he placed on college education by earning a degree at Georgetown University night school while working days at the Alexandria Virginia Water Company, now known as Virginia American Water. After that, LaFrankie excelled, climbing the ladder to increasingly responsible positions over his 44-year career with American Water, retiring as the company's president in 1991. About American Water American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's 6,700 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.
Daily Record
30-06-2025
- Daily Record
Scottish pub with mysterious 17th century love story sold for new development plans
The Stag Inn in Falkland, Fife, near Falkland Palace, features a rare lintel carved with the initials IL and EF and a heart. At one time, newlyweds across the British Isles marked their marriage by carving their initials and wedding date into stones placed above the doorways of their first homes. These 'marriage lintels' are usually found on stately homes and historic buildings, making it rare to spot one in a pub. But drinkers at The Stag Inn in Falkland, Fife, are in for a unique treat. This historic pub, located just a stone's throw from Falkland Palace, boasts a lintel carved with the initials IL and EF, a heart, and the date 1680, Scottish Daily Express reports. Though the story of the lovers behind these markings remains a mystery, their legacy endures as visitors raise a glass in their honour. Falkland Palace itself is a stunning example of Scottish Renaissance architecture, commissioned between 1501 and 1541 by King James IV and his son, James V. Built as a 'pleasure palace' for falconry and hunting, it was frequently used by the Stuart kings. Mary, Queen of Scots, once remarked that the palace reminded her of the chateaux of the French Royal Court where she was raised. With its magnificent turrets and grand archway, the palace's entrance looks as if it has stepped out of a fairytale. Inside, visitors can explore exquisite features such as the detailed panelling in the drawing room, the beautiful Chapel Royal where mass is still held every Sunday, the fascinating painted walls of the library, and re-created royal apartments. The tranquil grounds offer even more to discover, including Britain's oldest real tennis court, built for King James V, and an ancient orchard with a wildflower meadow. The extensive formal garden was designed by Percy Cane, and visitors can also enjoy a physic garden filled with Renaissance-era herbal remedies. The village of Falkland itself sits picturesque on the banks of the River Eden just north of Glenrothes. Home to just over 1,000 people, it is also famous as the ancestral home of American country music legend Johnny Cash. Recently, the freehold of The Stag Inn was sold by business property specialists Christie & Co. The pub, formerly owned by Bruce Taverns, has been purchased by a local family with ambitious plans for its development. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Scott Piatkowski of Bruce Taverns said: 'We are delighted to achieve this freehold sale, after what started out as the sale of a new lease. We would like to thank Simon Watson for his perseverance in finding the right buyer to take the pub forward.' Simon Watson, Business Agent for Pubs and Restaurants at Christie & Co, added: 'This sale demonstrates that appetite is still strong for traditional pubs in rural parts of Scotland, despite trade-related headwinds. "If you are considering selling, I would encourage you to get in touch with us to discuss your exit plans.' The Stag Inn's freehold was sold for an undisclosed sum.
Daily Record
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Edinburgh Castle crowned best UK castle for fairytale proposals
A new study has ranked the top places for a perfect proposal, with three Scottish castle making the top 10 in the UK A legendary Scottish castle has been ranked as the the most perfect castle across the UK for a dreamy proposal. Edinburgh Castle has been crowned the most picturesque spot to pop the question. The capital landmark has been dubbed the ultimate castle setting for a fairytale proposal in new research by OBJKTS Jewelry. Analysing hashtag data from Instagram and TikTok, the study ranked 100 of the UK's most beloved castles by popularity across social media. Edinburgh Castle claimed the top spot with over 804,000 hashtags, praised for its dramatic skyline views and centuries-old charm. and blowing its rivals out of the water. Perched on a volcanic plug and dominating the skyline of the Scottish capital, the castle has long held a special place in the hearts of visitors. The historic site features the 12th-century St Margaret's Chapel, the grand Great Hall built by James IV, the imposing Half Moon Battery added in the 16th century, and the Scottish National War Memorial, built after the First World War. Today, it houses the Honours of Scotland, the Crown Jewels, as well as the iconic 15th-century Mons Meg cannon - the daily One O'Clock Gun - and the National War Museum of Scotland. Unsurprisingly, its popularity as a proposal spot continues to soar. Last year, an engagement filmed in front of the castle went viral on social media, drawing thousands of likes and heartfelt congratulations from viewers. Two more Scottish castles secured places in the top ten. Eilean Donan Castle came seventh, with 118,973 hashtags, while Stirling Castle ranked ninth, gathering 103,246. Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most photographed landmarks in Scotland, sits on its own tiny island at the meeting point of three sea lochs, with the mountains of Kintail rising around it. It's a Highland icon, immortalised on calendars and shortbread tins, and remains a firm favourite with visitors. While marriage proposals on site require prior permission, the castle offers an exclusive package allowing private access to the grounds before public opening hours, giving couples a secluded and magical backdrop to pop the question. Stirling Castle, meanwhile, is an essential piece of Scotland's royal heritage. Though its volcanic crag has been fortified since ancient times, the site reached its peak in the 1500s. Lavishly renovated by James V, the Royal Palace, where Mary Queen of Scots spent her early years, reflects European Renaissance influences that once declared royal power and sophistication. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Visitors can explore its grand halls and fortified enclosures, steeped in the stories of generations of Scottish monarchs. Other romantic locations featured in the ranking include Windsor Castle in second place with 516,100 hashtags, praised for its regal elegance, and Cardiff Castle in fifth, which blends medieval walls with lush parkland and racked up 127,875 hashtags. OBJKTS Jewelry described these top-ranking spots as "the most magical backdrops to pop the question," offering couples timeless and enchanting settings to mark one of life's most memorable moments.
