Jan Chisholm : Fingask Castle

Jan Chisholm may have started life as a rough-and-tumble farmer's daughter in Tomintoul, but she now holds one of the most glamorous jobs in Perthshire.  Her position as Fingask Castle's wedding co-oridnator started 12 years ago, when she was asked to join them for summer season, working around her then job at Elmwood College supporting students with additional needs. She loved it so much so she ddecided to stay, and she tells, she wouldn’t change it for the world!

Her day always starts with coffee and somewhere between that and binge watching a Netflix series in her PJs in front of the log burner, she'll turn her hand to any number of wedding related tasks!

"We like to do things differently here at Fingask so I'm often found talking to different suppliers in the wedding industry - some might see it as chatting but I see it as networking!  We tailor each quote individually to make the expereince truly unique - it really is the ‘Pinterest’ bride's dream.

Even though Fingask is now in its 20th year of doing weddings, we've still not seen it all. I am amazed by the imagination and creativity of couples.I get a lot of hypothetical questions!  Even though Fingask is now in its 20th year of doing weddings, we've still not seen it all. I am amazed by the imagination and creativity of couples.

I love the start and the end of a wedding! I love showing couples round as I get to see their reaction to this amazing space - yes I know I am biased - and I always try my hardest to be there the day before so they can empty their head with all the little things.  Its a wonderful job!"

When she's not showing brides just how magical it might be to get married in a Scottish castle, she can be found enjoying a wine or two in Grayson’s Wine Cafe, a wee gin in The Venue, and dinner at Café Tabou.  She's also quite partial to a night on the town in the Twa Tams.  TO dust away the cobwwebs of work and socialisng, you'll find her walking up Kinnoull Hill, enjoying the views of the town she's called home since she was a wee girl.

Tell us the weirdest / funniest thing that has ever happened to you at work?

Hmmm, there really are some stories I can’t say! Usually around the subject of bouncy castles and kilts which do not mix well – haha.  I have rescued many a cake and cake topper and glued many a hired kilt shoe.

I once set off all of the fire alarms in the castle during a mindfulness retreat – thankfully the guests had broken away for lunch in the pavilion which is about 75 yards away, the curse of birds nesting in the chimneys! I have saved the embarrassment of many a guest due to the ‘tucked in dress into knicker moments’. What can I say you never know what a typical day may have in store at Fingask.

What signals the start of your days off?

The sound of a bottle of fizz opening is the start to my weekends off! I am a bit of a social butterfly who loves spending the day with family and friends. In my job I am always forward planning and my social life is much the same, I love knowing who I will be meeting at the weekend or where we will go as a family to visit I particularly love a Historical Scotland visit.

What might people be surprised to know about you?

I love to sing and tread the boards. I am getting married this year (obviously at Fingask!) .I would love to have the courage to learn to tap dance. I always wanted to read the football results on tv.

What is at the top of your bucket list? 

I would love to visit Easter Island and see those gigantic heads.

What is the worst job you’ve ever had?

In a previous life I was a drama student.  I did a short spell of working for a call centre cold calling people selling them kitchens. To mix my shifts up I would adopt different accents.

Who or what inspires you? 

I am inspired by the courage of individuals that do something for the first time. I am particularly inspired when somebody has tapped into their natural talent or has developed a skill to their best – musicians would be a classical example.

Tell us about the day you’d love to live again? 

Very cheesy but our house warming last year morphed into our engagement party.

What’s the best part about your job? 

The best part of the job for me is hearing each couples story, getting a sneak peek into a couples life and quite often I will be amongst a select few that will know about surprises planned for someone’s special day and then I get to see their face as it unfolds.  

The wedding coordinator role is also so special to me due to the comradery between the ‘on the day team’, we really do have a tight knit family feel at Fingask,  – my beloved Uncle Renton is the overall events manager and I have made two of my best friends through Fingask. I feel I am part of the fabric.

Complete this sentence; the best things in life are…

Laughter lines!

To find out more about the gorgeous Fingask Estate, read our small City, Big Personality Wedding Venue Feature and click onto Fingask Castle Wedding Venue. >>>