Our Story
We’re Nicola and Patrick Gilmour — husband and wife, and the people behind Pratis. Food, drink and entertainment have always been at the heart of our family life, so when the opportunity came up to take on Pratis in 2019, it felt like a natural fit.
With over 50 years of combined experience in event management and catering, we couldn’t wait to get started. Pratis Barns didn’t begin as a finished idea. We saw something in the land and the buildings — potential that wasn’t immediately obvious, but worth investing in.
What followed was a gradual transformation. Not rushed, not overdone, but shaped carefully into a space where people genuinely want to spend time. A place where events feel natural, well-run and enjoyable from start to finish.
We’re still very much part of it all — from the first enquiry through to the events themselves. Planning, welcoming, troubleshooting if needed — making sure everything comes together as it should.
April - Business Starts
Our vision was to create a flexible venue where everything can be done in-house to make planning events simple. And to provide a beautiful backdrop to help our guests create special experiences that bring people together, and make memories they will treasure forever.
NOVEMBER - VOWS Awards
Patrick is nominated for, and wins, Wedding Caterer of the Year at the VOWS awards. This gives us a huge boost with our vision of bringing the food and catering all in-house at Pratis.
Paved path up to The Stables
Our first building works took place to save all the ladies’ heels! We laid a paved pathway up to The Stables to improve the access for all our guests.
Pandemic renovations
The pandemic provided some unexpected downtime for renovations, including beginning to lovingly restore Pratis House, renovating The Shed and building a new toilet block.
Back in Business
As we begin to emerge from the second lockdown in May, the wheels start turning again and we manage to hold 46 weddings in the second half of the year!
House renovation is completed
After two and a half years of work, we finally finished renovating Pratis House and welcomed the first guests in March.
New kitchen
The new kitchen installation in the venue is carried out over the early months of the year, completion just in time for the 2023 wedding season.
New dance floor and stage is built in The Byre
Bob and the team rip up the old carpet and rickety stage and lay insulation and a sprung dancefloor, as well as building a bigger and better stage. The walls are lined with reclaimed timber and the stage finished with corrugated tin sheets found on site.
Award winning Wedding venue
Pratis Barns wins the Fife & Tayside venues award at the Prestigious Your Scottish Wedding Awards (YSWA).
The Feast
We launched our couple's feast. An exclusive, unforgettable day for all our couples. The venue is beautifully dressed, with Pratis House and the Wonder Room open to explore. It is a day, we showcase our food with bite-size starters, tapas-style mains, and irresistible desserts.
Glow & Gather
Our new firepit area is now complete, featuring sleek mono black paving, festoon lighting, and decorative trees. It’s the perfect spot to gather and unwind as the evening sets in.
Hitched Award Winner
Couples say we our one of the very best. This prestigious award celebrates our commitment to the wedding industry and our passion for what you do. We're very grateful to be awarded this award.
