Perthshire means business

by Vicki Miller

Area Director, Perthshire - VisitScotland

Scotland and Perthshire in particular has some of the best historic and contemporary venues in the world, and with many of them only a short drive from an international airport, we are well placed to attract business tourists from around the world. We know that demand for high quality corporate events is growing and, more importantly, that we are meeting that need and demonstrating that Perthshire really does mean business.

It's not easy finding the ideal location for an event. There are so many factors to balance and take into account. Somewhere with a good head for business and at the same time a heart for hospitality, a place with a sense of occasion but the space to relax as well. Perthshire can tick all of these boxes for the conference organiser, offering a first class product for conferences, meetings and business events and combining it with a warm welcome. With a world-class reputation in innovation, research, design and development, Scotland has the business acumen credentials to connect with and understand what conference organisers require, and delivering it. The fruits of this labour are evident when we look at prestigious events such as the G8 summit which have chosen not only Scotland, but Perthshire to host such reputable guests. Gleneagles as the central venue to their event ensured our excellent facilities were showcased to the world.

VisitScotland in Perthshire is working with its partners to develop an understanding of the region’s offering and to increase business tourism income. Events planned for the future include hosting Central Comes to Edinburgh, a showcase of the best our region has to offer along with the chance for potential conference organisers and meeting planners to meet 20 inspiring properties from the central area and learn more about their facilities. Site visits, familiarisation trips and promotion of the area at both national and international exhibitions also contribute to the number of business planners considering Perthshire for placing future events.

Scotland is famous for its castles and historic buildings set in dramatic landscapes, with Perthshire having its own crown jewels. This unique offering has been given a modern twist by developing many of our most historic and beautiful buildings into the ideal venue for a business meeting or event. Blair Castle, has launched its own function division that allows businesses to book the castle for corporate events, and Scone Palace hosts events where clients can enjoy corporate hospitality and private dining in a grand setting.

The internationally acclaimed Hilton Dunkeld, which was originally built by the 7th Duke of Atholl as a summer home for his wife, offers an elegant and comfortable retreat for businesses looking for a conference or incentive stay. The hotel includes a LivingWell Health Club, well equipped modern rooms and a wide range of outdoor pursuits.

The popular Crieff Hydro hotel has upgraded its conferencing facilities creating a range of options for organisers who require large scale event or exhibition space, as well as offering over 200 bedrooms there are also self catering lodges and a range of incentivising activities, including 4 x 4 off road driving, quad biking and horse riding. Crieff Hydro is also leading the way in creating a one-stop shop business package that is flexible and stimulating. A collaboration between event organisers Blue Sky Experience, Crieff Hydro and the Famous Grouse Experience, has generated a new marketing brand - Experience Perthshire - offering a one-stop shop for businesses keen to use the area.

In addition to our luxury country house hotels, many event bookers are looking for exclusive use destinations and an invaluable tool has been developed for them. The Exclusive Use Designator is a new grading system which was set up by VisitScotland and is one of the world’s first independent grading schemes for Exclusive Use Venues. The designator covers those properties that open exclusively for one customer or party with a minimum let of one day and consists of mainly stately homes or castles. Membership is capped at 25 members, thus ensuring that guests are guaranteed to stay in heritage property which is full of charm and character. All these will provide a quintessentially Scottish experience, complete with excellent hospitality and the highest calibre of cuisine and facilities. Restricted to four and five star properties only, the scheme is designed to maintain the high quality associated with the exclusivity. The majority also offer additional leisure and sporting pursuits together with conference facilities (although this is not a requirement in the criteria).

These properties offer a unique experience with guests staying in a fully staffed heritage property being full of charm and character with excellent Scottish hospitality, epitomising the dream of being ‘laird of the castle’. In Perthshire such venues as Pitcastle in Pitlochry - Pitcastle means the 'place of the castle,' and was adapted in Victorian times to its present Scottish Baronial style a comfortable eight bedroom country house amidst diverse beauty , and also Kinnaird fit into this category.

Just over an hour from Edinburgh and Glasgow, Kinnaird is a small intimate hotel set within a 9,000 acre sporting estate, with fine dining, renowned wine cellars and personal attention. The quiet and relaxed ambiance will enable concentration, positive thinking and creativity a rare and valuable asset. A stay at Kinnaird can be as active or as relaxing as guests wish it to be; team building on the Tay salmon fishing, Clay Pigeon shooting or organised pheasant and deer shoots, snooker in the billiard room or benefit from a holistic spa treatment in "The Retreat" . Discretion and exclusivity is guaranteed. This type of facility is invaluable for incentive planners helping them to pinpoint venues most suited to their needs and preferences and is a true demonstration of what Scotland does best.

Perthshire also has an abundance of unique conference facilities for planners to choose from and many of these more unusual venues have capitalised on the market by offering a different and dramatic experience. One of these is Perth Racecourse which has been voted the best small racecourse in Scotland in the North East by the Racegoers Club. With a wide range of facilities such as the modern "Nelson Stand" and the more traditional Owners and Trainers facilities, the course now boasts a total of 12 suites accommodating parties from 14 to 80. These are not just used for watching the races, but are also perfect for hosting a corporate party, and are complemented by marquee facilities for larger parties up to 400. Another unusual venue, the Famous Grouse Experience, gives businesses the opportunity to escape the stresses of corporate life in the surroundings of Glenturret Distillery where they can learn more about the ‘water of life’, join in the interactive tour experience, enjoy the best of Scottish hospitality or even learn a tip or two on how to create your own fayre from chef Steve Craik in one of his cookery classes. On a smaller scale, the refurbished Birnam Institute Arts and Conference Centre has flexible meeting space that combines modern facilities in an ancient setting.

With such a diverse landscape, Perthshire is also an ideal choice for organisers and incentive planners who want to give their client an experience to remember. Activity providers such as Nae Limits and Activ8 can ensure a memorable day whitewater rafting, canyoning, sphering, river bugs or even abseiling. At Highland Adventure Safari clients can enjoy the highland scenery on an adventure safari, drive 4 x 4 landrovers or even picnics in an exclusive hill bothy set at nearly 3000’ or can dine on a mountain in a premier 5 star hilltop marquee setting. Pride is taken in using local and Scottish produce and can offer you menus which include Baked River Tay Salmon, Charcoal Roasted Perthshire Venison and Heather Fed Hill Lamb. Alternatively Highland Perthshire has many restaurants, inns and pubs that can offer simple fayre to gastronomic delights.