Transcript EuroMot 2009 These ideas have been handcrafted for the of

EuroMot 2009
These ideas have been handcrafted for
the
University of the West of Scotland
6 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HELLO SCOTLAND….
1. Carbon Neutral
Hello Scotland is proud to announce that it is now the first DMC in the UK to have been awarded
CarbonNeutral® operations status by the CarbonNeutral Company. Being carbon neutral reflects
our desire to run a more sustainable business and to reduce our carbon footprint.
2. Creativity
At Hello Scotland we pride ourselves on our hand-crafted creative incentive programmes. We
guarantee that your proposal has been brain-stormed and prepared by at least 2 members of the
Project Team to make sure that innovative fresh ideas are introduced to every new request.
3. Buddy Support System
Two pairs of eyes are better than one which is why we introduced the “Buddy System” – Project
Managers shadow one another on a week to week basis and work on files in pairs, which means
you will always have a contact person in the office who is familiar with your file.
4. On Site Support
The personal touch is very important to us, which is why, should your client confirm their incentive
with us, we will accompany them from arrival in Scotland, throughout their programme until we
wave them off at the airport. A designated Project Manager on call 24 hour a day means that you
can relax and look after your client, while we take care of the pre-checks and handle all the
suppliers.
5. Testing and Measuring
We continuously ask our clients for feedback and we take all comments on board and ensure that
praise is passed onto the relevant people or indeed, that problems are investigated and a full
explanation given.
6. Extra Inclusions
What makes the difference? We like to be flexible – tell us what would sell Scotland to your client
and we will try to help! Would the VIP like a free round of golf? An upgrade for the event
organiser? A welcome whisky on arrival at the hotel? A special newspaper delivered in the
morning? The small things like this can make a real difference to the guest’s overall experience –
and that’s what we aim to achieve!
.
Saturday 5th September 2009
Edinburgh – A Day in the Capital
More Details
09.00 hrs
-
Coach departs from Glasgow City Chambers/Radisson SAS Hotel, Glasgow
10.15 hrs
-
Photo/Toilet stop under the Forth Rail Bridge in South Queensferry
11.00 hrs
-
Arrival at the Royal Yacht Britannia for tour of the ship
12.30 hrs
-
Coach leaves Leith for Edinburgh City Centre, visiting the Georgian New Town, with its
sweeping crescents and terraces, and then onto the historic Royal Mile with its charming wynds and closes.
13.00 hrs
-
Surprise Whisky Welcome on Calton Hill with Piper to play for guests as they enjoys some whisky and shortbread!
13.30 hrs
-
Lunch in the city centre (At own expense)
14.30 hrs
-
Meet your guide at Edinburgh Castle Esplanade for the highlight of the day - a visit to
Edinburgh Castle
16.00 hrs
-
Last chance for souvenier shopping!
16.30 hrs
-
Coach departs Edinburgh for Glasgow City Centre
17.45 hrs
-
Arrival back in Glasgow
Day excursion – Price (£58.00 per person) includes:
Transport
STGA Blue Badge Guide
Entrance to Royal Yacht Britannia
Entrance to Edinburgh Castle
Piper, Whisky & Shortbread on Calton Hill
Edinburgh
The sheer drama of the city's setting makes a great impact on
first-time visitors. Its castle ramparts draw the eye in the city
centre as an ever-present reminder of stormy history of
Scotland, while the long crest of Salisbury Crags and Arthur's
Seat are a foretaste of the ruggedness of the nation's
landscapes. Soaring columns against the sky, proud flags
flying, tall monuments and elegant frontages:
Edinburgh in all its grace and grandeur makes a stirring first
impression – and then gets even better!! This is the royal
family’s favourite city – and you will see why when you come!
Walk the Royal Mile – from Edinburgh Castle through the
heart of the Old Town – and you walk in the footsteps of the
past: from kings and queens to literary figures like Robert
Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson – find out
more at the Writers’ Museum, off the Lawnmarket.
Explore the ‘closes’ leading off this ancient thoroughfare for
tales of old Edinburgh – or take a tour to the half-forgotten
Mary King’s Close, said to be haunted since the 17th century!
The Palace of Holyrood House marks the lower end of the
famous Mile. This grand palace started by King James IV in
the 16th century is today still the official residence of the royal
family when in Scotland. Close by is the site of the New
Scottish Parliament.
South Queensferry
Royal Yacht Britannia
This magnificent ship has played host to some of the most
famous people in the world. But, above all, she was home to
Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family.
Guests can see the State Apartments, which are furnished
with original pictures and works of art from the Royal
Collection. These rooms have welcomed some of the world's
most powerful figures such as Sir Winston Churchill, Nelson
Mandela, Bill Clinton and Margaret Thatcher.
Don’t forget the State Dining Room either, the largest and
grandest room on board Britannia with incomparable
grandeur. The artefacts adorning the walls are gifts to HM The
Queen from countries visited around the world.
Welcome on Calton Hill
Calton Hill is one of Edinburgh's main hills, set right in the city
centre. It is unmistakable with its Athenian acropolis poking
above the skyline.
The top of Calton hill is an excellent and usually quiet place to
come on any day, with its grassy slopes and panoramic views
of the city, including down the length of Princes street (the
main shopping thoroughfare) and Edinburgh castle. There is a
good view North of the ruddy-coloured cliffs of Salisbury
Crags and the undulating slopes of Holyrood Park.
Today the group will be led from the coach by a piper to their
own private drinks reception to enjoy while taking in the
spectacular views!
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle quite simply is the heart and soul of the
great Scottish capital city, and therefor the heart of Scotland.
No other building in Britain dominates a city quite like the
castle does. With 100 years of history, the building oozes
romance and it is not surprising to learn that it is the second
most visited site in the UK after the Tower of London.
Edinburgh city grew out from the castle rock and the city’s first
houses in were built in the area of Lawnmarket. Building then
sprawled down the High Street Edinburgh towards the Palace
of Holyrood House and eventually to become the sprawling
city Edinburgh is today.
If your group has a restricted itinerary in Scotland, Edinburgh
castle must be the first item on your ‘to do‘ list, not only
because of the historical interest of this remarkable fortress
and former royal residence, but because it offers such
splendid panoramic views of the city. From these battlements
one can see how strategically successful this mighty fortress
was as a defence structure.
The Royal apartments include a tiny room in which Mary
Queen of Scots, who was famously beheaded by Queen
Elizabeth, gave birth to King James VI of Scotland (James 1
of England). The ancient Honours of Scotland - the Crown, the
Sceptre and the Sword of State - are on view in the Crown
Room. The castle is an absolute must-see.
Sunday 6th September 2009
Glasgow Architecture Old & New
More Details
09.00 hrs
-
Coach departs from Glasgow City Chambers/Radisson SAS Hotel, Glasgow for short Pan-Am and introduction to
Glasgow
10.15 hrs
-
Arrival at Bellahouston Park and the House for An Art Lover
11.00 hrs
-
Back to Glasgow’s West End for a visit to the Mackintosh House at the Hunterian Museum
12.30 hrs
-
Light lunch (Afternoon Tea Style) at the Willow Team Rooms
14.00 hrs
-
Meet your guide at George Square to continue the tour on foot.
15.00 hrs
-
Visit to The Lighthouse bringing architecture into the modern day
16.00 hrs
-
Leave your guide for the day at George Square/Radisson SAS Hotel
Day excursion – Price (£46.00 per person) includes:
Transport
STGA Blue Badge Guide
Entrance to House for An Art Lover
Entrance to Mackintosh House
Afternoon Tea at Willow Tearooms
Entrance to The Lighthouse
Glasgow
For more than a decade, Glasgow has steadily built a
reputation as a city embracing a new identity, one that
combines their traditional friendliness and eccentricity with a
new love of arts and culture. The city is proud of its mercantile
past and faces the 21st century with a palpable sense of
confidence and excitement.
The city has created its own style – a fashion capital but with
stunning Victorian architecture of the city centre. Many of the
imposing blonde and sandstone buildings have been modified
as the setting for retail developments, cafes and boutique
shops. “Glasgow Style” is hard to define, but aspects of it can
be seen at venues such as The Lighthouse, Scotland’s Centre
for Architecture & Design and of course, the Italian Centre – a
retail development which brings together some of the world’s
top fashion names in stunning buildings.
The city also features a wide choice of cultural centres. The
Burrell Collection houses the eclectic and wide-ranging
collection of a wealthy ship-owner, who gifted his lifetime’s
collection to the city. Glasgow’s Gallery of Modern Art, in the
heart of the city, is a refreshing and challenging exposition of
contemporary works.
Enjoy the people, sights and sounds of this ever-evolving city.
House for an Art Lover
When legendary Scottish architect Charles Rennie MacIntosh
and his wife decided to enter a competition to design the
quintessential ‘House for an Art Lover’ they would not have
presumed that 88 years later - despite losing the competition
because of their late submission – the house would be
assembled painstakingly to recreate every detail from those
initial special sketches. But that’s exactly what happened!
The house is a stunning play of dark and light with bright,
white rooms leading to corridors of dark mahogany.
The Mackintosh Exhibition rooms have been realised by
contemporary artists and crafts people from the designs in the
original portfolio, turning Mackintosh’s vision into reality.
Visitors can compare these original drawings against each
completed room. The resulting exterior structure and
impressive suite of room interiors provide a spectacular insight
into Mackintosh’s design characteristics. The ongoing
interpretation and creation of the art works within the House
are highlighted in a fascinating audio tour and
DVD presentation.
Mackintosh House
The Mackintosh House is a reconstruction of the principal
interiors from 78 Southpark Avenue (originally 6 Florentine
Terrace), the Glasgow home of Charles Rennie Mackintosh
and his wife, the artist Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh from
1906-1914.
After the Mackintoshes left Glasgow in 1914 the house and
contents were sold to the Davidson family. The University of
Glasgow later purchased the house in 1946 from the
Davidsons who subsequently gifted all the original furniture.
The Mackintosh House opened as an integral part of the
University’s Hunterian Art Gallery in 1981 and great care has
been taken to ensure that the sequence of rooms mirrors that
of the original.
Today visitors can stroll through the hall, dining room, studiodrawing room and main bedroom and marvel at Mackintosh’s
distinctive - and still contemporary –style while enjoying
virtually the same views and experiencing the same light as
Charles and Margaret (the original house stood only some
100 metres away).
Willow Tea Rooms
The world famous Glasgow Willow Tea Rooms were designed
by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1904. The Willow remains
open today to welcome visitors keen to experience the
splendour of a bygone era and take tea just as they did in the
same rooms and interiors 100 years ago.
The Willow was the only tea room building where Mackintosh
had complete control over every aspect of the design. He
modelled the exterior as well as the interior of the building and
even designed the tea spoons and waitresses' dresses.
The Willow name comes from Sauchiehall, the street where it
is situated, which in Scottish Gaelic means alley of the willows
and the theme of willows featured throughout the building.
Today the group will enjoy afternoon tea – time to relax and
revive before the tour continues!
The Lighthouse
The Lighthouse is Scotland’s centre for architecture and
design. It is the epitome of Glasgow’s urbane and chic 21st
Century style.
Spanning six floors, The Lighthouse provides an unrivalled
opportunity to experience Architecture and Design through a
changing programme of exhibitions, education and life long
learning, networking, events and initiatives.
The Mackintosh Interpretation Centre or 'Mack' Centre,
designed by Gareth Hoskins Architects, celebrates Glasgow's
most famous architect and explores his life and work. This is
the ideal place from which to start the Mackintosh trail. Here
you can also see how the former Glasgow Herald building
(Mackintosh's first public commission) was transformed into
The Lighthouse, Scotland's Centre for Architecture, Design
and the City.
Simon Tsang
The building boasts a unrivalled facilities, with larger and
smaller spaces available to host syndicate sessions.
Sunday 6th September 2009
The Scottish Trilogy!
More Details
09.00 hrs
-
Coach departs from Glasgow City Chambers/Radisson SAS Hotel for Strathblane
10.00 hrs
-
Arrival at Duntreath Castle with a truly Scottish Piper welcome
10.15 hrs
-
Let the fun commence! The group will be split into 3 smaller teams, rotating around the following challenges:
Bagpipe Playing and Highland Dancing
Sheep Dog and Duck Herding
Haggis Stuffing
12.15 hrs
-
Activities finish with a Tug Of War Finale
12.30 hrs
-
Time at leisure in Killearn for lunch.
14.00 hrs
-
Tour and Tasting at Glengoyne Distillery
15.15 hrs
-
Leave Glengoyne Distillery for Glasgow City Centre
16.00 hrs
-
Arrival back at George Square/Radisson SAS Hotel
Day excursion – Price (£90.00 per person) includes:
Transport
STGA Blue Badge Guide
Exclusive Hire of Duntreath Castle
Activities as described above
Tour and Tasting at Glengoyne Distillery
Duntreath Castle
Your group will marvel at this stunning castle. Encourage your
guests to walk around the grounds. The Water gardens to the
south of the house were laid out by Lady Julie in the 1970’s
,Lady Julie retains a strong interest in the Scottish Gardens
scheme. The grounds are set at the heart of a wooded valley
beneath the Campsie Hills and enjoy unspoilt views
northwards to Ben Lomond and the Highland Hills.
If these walls could speak… there are many stories
surrounding this magnificent castle. The castle was granted by
King James to the current owner’s ancestor, William
Edmonstone, in 1434. The previous owner was folied in a
dastardly plan to assassinate King James so lost his castle and his head at the same time! Just goes to show, one man’s
loss is another’s gain!
Scottish Triathlon
Have a masterclass in Scottish traditions with our hilarious
triathlon of fun!
Your group will learn how to play the bagpipes (well, try to
learn anyway!). Prepare yourselves for a laugh as the whole
group takes on the challenge. They will be taught by one of
the world’s finest bagpipe teachers.
Next your group will be flinging their limbs about with some
Highland dancing lessons! After watching the experts perform
a couple of dances, the group will be taught basic steps and
before finishing with a ‘dance off’ against the other group
members.
The second activity in this trilogy of Scottishness is ‘Haggis
stuffing’. Scotland’s national dish has long been a mystery for
people who visit Scotland. This will be a ‘behind the scenes’
insight into Haggis, it’s history and how it is made. Then they’ll
have to get their hands dirty and stuff the haggis – sounds
easier than it is!
Quack Commandos
A Sheepdog takes years of dedicated training to be the best in
its field. We’ll admit that normally it’s sheep being shepherded
rather than ducks, but they add a bit of humour to the
proceedings!
This hilarious road show demonstrates the skill and speed of
the Border Collie in action with a flock of Indian Runner ducks.
The sheepdog guides the ducks round a course of obstacles
named after famous Scottish football teams, e.g. The Celtic
Bridge, The Rangers Death-Slide –featuring a pool of starving
Scottish fresh-water crocodiles, the Partick Thistle Tunnel-ofLove, as well as the Magic Box and the Olympic Slalom
Course.
After putting the ducks round the course, our shepherds then
invite guests onto the course for a fun challenge to see if they
can move the ducks as efficiently as the sheepdogs! Ready,
Steady Quack!
Tug o War Finale!
What better way to round off a perfect team building day than
to challenge the teams to battle it out in the old-fashioned way
– the Tug ‘o War!
Glengoyne Distillery
This is the most southerly of the “Highland” Malt distilleries
and is set at the foot of the Campsie Hills. Here, in a
picturesque working Distillery, the story of whisky is told from
the days of illegal “stills” hidden in the heather to today’s
methods of production which have changed very little and still
depend on natural ingredients and the skill of the men who
work here.
On the ‘Glengoyne Tour’ your group will watch a short video
and be offered a 10 year old whisky to taste, or upgrade to the
‘Wee tasting tour’ and add a dram of the gorgeous 17 year old
Single Highland Malt. For the real connoisseurs book a cask
tasting tour to see how this amazing drink ripens and
strengthens in different smoked casks.
Discover the secrets behind the Scotsman’s “Water of Life” on
this fascinating tour!
Monday 7th September 2009
Loch Lomond & Glengoyne
More Details
09.15 hrs
-
Coach departs from Glasgow City Chambers/Radisson SAS Hotel for Loch Lomond
10.00 hrs
-
Arrival in Luss for walk through the village and first glimpse of the Loch!
10.30 hrs
-
Depart Luss for Balloch and cruise on Loch Lomond
11.00 hrs
-
Cruise departs – time to be enthralled by the Storyteller with tales of Rob Roy and more
12.00 hrs
-
Cruise returns to Balloch, time at leisure for lunch (own expense)
13.30 hrs
-
Leave Balloch for Glengoyne Distilery.
14.00 hrs
-
Tour and Tasting at Glengoyne Distillery
15.15 hrs
-
Leave Glengoyne Distillery for Glasgow City Centre
16.00 hrs
-
Arrival back at George Square/Radisson SAS Hotel
Day excursion – Price (£42.00 per person) includes:
Transport
STGA Blue Badge Guide
One hour cruise on Loch Lomond
Storyteller to entertain on cruise
Tour and Tasting at Glengoyne Distillery
Loch Lomond Cruise
Your cruise departs from the southern tip of the loch and
passes by six local stately homes and gives your guests
excellent views (dependant on the weather!) right up the loch
and past the various islands.
Loch Lomond has the largest surface area of fresh water Loch
in the UK. The Loch is 24 miles long and five miles wide and
at its deepest point is some 600 feet deep.
On the Loch there are approximately 38 Islands, some of
them inhabited and there is even a Hotel on one, Inchmurrin.
Loch Lomond must be the worlds most famous Loch and has
been much written about, both in song and verse. The area is
renowned for its beauty and tranquility and offers picture
postcard views around every corner.
The Loch is crossed by the Highland Boundary Fault and
exhibits the physical characteristics of both highland and
Lowland Scotland. Some 200 species of birds and over 25%
of Britain's wild plants have been recorded in the area.
Gregor – The Highlander
The perfect character to take guests back to the times of Rob
Roy MacGregor as they enjoy their cruise on the loch!
No words can describe how this extraordinary and
unpredictable character will enhance the groups short time in
Scotland!!
Glengoyne Distillery
This is the most southerly of the “Highland” Malt distilleries
and is set at the foot of the Campsie Hills. Here, in a
picturesque working Distillery, the story of whisky is told from
the days of illegal “stills” hidden in the heather to today’s
methods of production which have changed very little and still
depend on natural ingredients and the skill of the men who
work here.
On the ‘Glengoyne Tour’ your group will watch a short video
and be offered a 10 year old whisky to taste, or upgrade to the
‘Wee tasting tour’ and add a dram of the gorgeous 17 year old
Single Highland Malt. For the real connoisseurs book a cask
tasting tour to see how this amazing drink ripens and
strengthens in different smoked casks.
Discover the secrets behind the Scotsman’s “Water of Life” on
this fascinating tour!
Tuesday 8th September 2009
William Wallace and the Wheel
More Details
09.00 hrs
-
Coach departs from Glasgow City Chambers/Radisson SAS Hotel, Glasgow
10.15 hrs
-
Visit to the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s only rotating boat lift
12.15 hrs
-
Depart the Falkirk Wheel for Stirling
12.45 hrs
-
Time for lunch (at own expense in Stirling)
14.00 hrs
-
Meet back with guide for walk to Stirling Castle
14.15 hrs
-
Afternoon Visit to Stirling Castle with surprise interactive falconry
15.15 hrs
-
Depart Stirling for Glasgow
16.00 hrs
-
Arrival back at George Square/Radisson SAS Hotel
Day excursion – Price (£56.00 per person) includes:
Transport
STGA Blue Badge Guide
Visit to the Falkirk Wheel
Entrance to Stirling Castle
Falkirk Wheel
The Falkirk Wheel is the worlds only rotating boatlift and is
used to connect the Forth & Clyde and Union canals in central
Scotland.
This magnificent, mechanical, metal marvel has been
constructed to 21st Century, state-of-the-art engineering and it
is already being recognised as an iconic landmark worthy of
Scotland's traditional engineering expertise.
Linking two canals with water levels 115ft apart, it is the
innovative and dynamic solution to an age old problem of
transferring boats between levels that traditionally required a
flight of 11 locks. The Falkirk Wheel is the spectacular
centrepiece of the £84.5 million ‘Millennium Link', the UK’s
largest canal restoration project, re-establishing the waterway
link from east coast to west coast.
Stirling Castle Tour
One of Scotland’s grandest castles due to its imposing
position and impressive architecture, Stirling Castle
commands the countryside for many miles around.
It towers over some of the most important battlefields of
Scotland’s past including Stirling Bridge, the site of William
Wallace’s victory over the English in 1297, and Bannockburn
where Robert the Bruce defeated the same foe in the summer
of 1314.
Situated on a volcanic outcrop guarding the lowest crossing
point of the River Forth, Stirling Castle is a great symbol of
Scottish Independence and a source of enduring national
pride. The castle’s long, turbulent history is associated with
great figures from Scotland’s past, such as William Wallace,
Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots. It has seen many
royal dramas and witnessed the lives and deaths of almost
every Scottish monarch up to the Union of the Crowns in
1603.
Stirling was the favoured residence of most of Scotland’s later
medieval monarchs. Most contributed to its impressive
architecture. Mary Queen of Scots, was crowned here in
1543, and Mary’s own son, the future James VI, was baptised
here in 1566. The celebrations culminated in a fireworks
display on the Esplanade, the first seen in Scotland!
Interactive Falconry
The group will be met by veteran Falconer Adrian Hallgarth
who will show these stunning birds off. The stealth and agility
of these birds will astound your group!
Birds on show will include Eagle owls, falcons, hawks and the
majestic Golden Eagle. Adrian will lead the group through a
series of tricks involving both individuals from the group and
the whole group at one time.
Watch in wonder as the birds fly through the VIP’s legs or over
the heads of the ladies as they pretend to be rabbits hiding
from the birds of prey! Cameras definitely required!
Wednesday 9th September 2009
Burns Country
More Details
09.00 hrs
-
Coach departs from Glasgow City Chambers/Radisson SAS Hotel, Glasgow
10.15 hrs
-
Stop in Troon for a chance to see the famous golf course and take in some sea air!
10.30 hrs
-
Continue onto Alloway
11.00 hrs
-
Arrival at to Burns National Heritage Park & Burns Cottage for visit with Storyteller to meet
the guests
12.00 hrs
-
Leave Burns Cottage for Ayr
12.15 hrs
-
Time at leisure for lunch in Ayr (at own expense)
13.00 hrs
-
Meet back with guide for transfer to Culzean Castle
14.00 hrs
-
Afternoon Visit to Culzean Castle
15.00 hrs
-
Depart Culzean Castle for Glasgow
16.00 hrs
-
Arrival back at George Square/Radisson SAS Hotel
Day excursion – Price (£46.00 per person) includes:
Transport
STGA Blue Badge Guide
Visit to the Falkirk Wheel
Entrance to Stirling Castle
Troon
Today the name of Troon is synonymous with the game of golf.
The town is home to the Royal Troon Golf Club, which hosted
the 133rd Open Championship in July 2004. But Royal Troon
has just two of the six golf courses which together entirely
surround Troon. The others are the Kilmarnock (Barassie) Club
plus three municipal links courses, including two of
championship standard.
Troon also has other attractions. The harbour is now home to a
vast marina reflecting its importance as a centre for leisure
sailing in the Firth of Clyde. It also offers the North Sands and
the South Sands, the wide beaches backed by promenades
and the trappings of a fairly genteel seaside resort.
The origins of Troon's connections with golf date back to the
founding of the Royal Troon Golf Club in 1878. Originally with
just 5 holes, it was extended to become an 18 hole course in
1886, and it first held the Open Championship in 1923.
Burns Cottage Museum
Burns Cottage was built in 1757 by the hands of Robert Burns' father,
William Burnes. On January 25, 1759, while the cold winter winds blew
in from the Atlantic, it became the scene of Scotland's most famous
birthday when Robert Burns was born.
The simple Auld Clay Biggin where the World's most loved poet was
born has long been a must-see destination. Famous visitors have
included John Keats, Clark Gable and Muhammed Ali. The cottage
has been fully restored to it original condition and includes audio-visual
interpretation to bring to life the childhood world of Robert Burns.
In the Musuem, an original manuscript of Auld Lang Syne, the world’s
favourite song takes pride of place in the world’s most important
collection of Robert Burns manuscripts, artefacts and memorabilia.
Personal items, letters and artworks provide a unique touchstone to
the life and work of a remarkable man.
See gifts and tokens exchanged with Burns’ many lovers. See
artefacts from Burns’ “other” jobs, such as his exciseman’s pistols and
his surveyors’ rods. See Lord Byron’s personal volume of Burns’
poetry. Burns Cottage Museum is a treasure trove of discoveries
waiting for you.
Culzean Castle
Culzean is one of Scotland's best loved Castles, offering
something for everyone to enjoy. It is situated on the stunning
South Ayrshire coast so even the drive there is a bit of a treat
for your group.
Adam’s mastery of form in his radical adaptation of this Castle
(originally dating from 1590) has created a grand, impossibly
romantic backdrop for modern events. Set in nearly 600 acres
of beautiful countryside with woodland walks, inviting sandy
beaches, terraced gardens and charming follies, this is a
unique and inspirational setting for entertaining guests.
Grand and prestigious or intimate and relaxed - the options at
Culzean are endless.
The breathtakingly beautiful red Circular Saloon has views
towards the Isle of Arran and is makes a stunning drinks
reception venue. Follow this by dinner for 70 in the
surprisingly intimate State Dining Room. For a larger event,
the Home Farm Restaurant can accommodate up to 100
guests for a banquet and ceilidh.
Further Information
Weather
Scotland's position on the edge of the European continent with sea on three sides means that the weather is very varied. Records show that May and June
are usually drier than July and August.
Edinburgh's annual rainfall is only slightly greater than London's and many of the east coast towns have less annual rainfall than Rome.
Generally speaking, the east coast tends to be cool and dry, the west coast milder and wetter. July and August are normally the warmest months, average
temperature of 15-19oC/60-68oF.
What to Wear
The clothes that you pack for your stay in Scotland should be lightweight and flexible enough to allow for the variable weather. Between May and
September, it is often warm, but a light waterproof jacket would still be advisable in case of rain, or cooler evenings. Sturdy outdoor shoes are
recommended if there is an outdoor activity involved
Further Information
Health
Visitors who become ill while in Scotland are eligible for free emergency treatment at National Health Service Accident and Emergency hospital
departments. As with all travel it is advised to take out insurance cover before travelling. This applies for European Community and other travellers. Your
travel agent can give advice. You do not need any vaccinations before you come to Scotland
Money
Bank Opening Times - Banks usually open Monday to Friday between 0900-1600/1700hrs (some open until later on Thursdays and a few open on
Saturday mornings).
Currency
Scottish banks issue their own bank notes in all denominations. These differ in design from English notes, but are of the same value and are accepted
elsewhere in the UK (although you are best to change £1 notes for £1 coins before you leave Scotland). English notes are accepted in Scotland. In
Scotland, banks usually give the best exchange rate for foreign currency, and many offer this service. It is also possible to change money in airports,
larger rail stations, travel agents and some of the larger hotels (if you are a resident); there is usually a handling fee and commission. Most towns and
cities have cash machines where you can obtain British Currency using your cashcard or credit card. Some establishments may accept Euro traveller
cheques.
Credit Cards
Main stores, hotels and restaurants in Scotland will accept the majority of credit cards. It is advisable to carry some £ Sterling; for example, many smaller
accommodation establishments such as B&Bs are unlikely to accept credit cards; this also applies to other small businesses.
Tax Refunds
Value Added Tax (VAT) at 17.5% is applied to goods and services. Non-EU visitors to Scotland can reclaim it on goods only, by using the Foreign
Exchange Tax Free Shopping arrangements. You can reclaim VAT at participating stores. A Tax Free Shopping form is obtained and completed at the
shop where you must also show your passport. The form has to be presented to HM Customs and Excise, as you leave the UK.
Language
As in the rest of the UK, English is the official language of Scotland. There are marked regional accents but all are distinctively Scottish. Gaelic is still
spoken in parts of the western Highlands and in the Western Isles, with English as a second language.
Currency Exchange and Banking
Banks are usually open Monday to Friday between 0900-1600/1700 hrs (some open later on Thursdays and a few open on Saturday mornings). Scottish
banks issue their own bank notes for all denominations, which differ from English notes, but they are of the same value and are accepted elsewhere in
the UK (although you are best to change £1 notes for £1 coins before you leave Scotland). English notes are accepted in Scotland. There are several
one-day bank holidays including Christmas, Easter and New Year.
Further Information
Public Holidays
In Scotland, Christmas Day, Easter and New Year’s Day are general public holidays and there are various local holidays.
Shopping
Shops generally open at 0900 and close at 1730/1800. In cities, Thursday is usually late night shopping with closing times at 1900/2000. Sunday
shopping is also available in larger towns and cities
Tax Refunds
Value Added Tax (VAT) at 17.5% is applied to goods and services. Non-EU visitors to Scotland can reclaim it on goods only, by using the Foreign
Exchange Tax-Free Shopping arrangements. You can reclaim VAT at participating stores.
A Tax-Free Shopping Form is obtained and completed at the shop where you must also show your passport. The form has to be presented to HM
Customs and Excise as you leave the UK.
Telephones
Within the UK you drop the +44 and put 0 in front of the number: for example: + 44 (0) 131 becomes 0131. Phone cards can be bought at post offices,
newsagents and Tourist Information Centres.
Mobile Phones
It is possible to use mobile phones in Scotland; however, you ill need to check that your phone can be adapted for use in the UK. Check this with your
network provider before travel.
Voltage – Electrical Equipment
Voltage is 240v 50Hz. Most establishments in Scotland have square-pin sockets for 3, 5 and 13 Amp fuses. You can buy an adaptor at your
DEPARTURE airport.
Personal Computers
If you are planning to take a laptop computer with you, please ensure that you take the correct adaptor suitable for use in the UK. Some hotels provide
computer and office facilities in bedrooms.