Our favourite historical Scottish sites for incentive groups
2017 is Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage & Archaeology, but what does that actually mean for incentive groups who are travelling to, or considering Scotland for a sales incentive trip?
Well, we’ve asked some of the team for their thoughts on their favourite historic / heritage experience for incentive groups. Here’s what they said:
Sharon’s favourite: Dunnottar Castle
“One of my favourite sites is Dunnottar Castle on the North East coast. This is a stunning setting and epitomises what our clients expect to see when visiting Scotland.
Built on rugged coastline less than 30 minutes from Aberdeen, this castle was the inspiration for the Disney movie “Brave”. Groups can have a tour of the castle ruins, followed by a picnic on the overlooking cliffside. It’s walking distance from the gorgeous harbour town of Stonehaven, where groups could enjoy a traditional fish and chips lunch. For the perfect mix of history and culture, team it up with a visit to the nearby Fettercarin Whisky Distillery.”
Jenn is all about the bridges!
“The Forth Rail Bridge, just to the north west of Edinburgh, is a stunning cantilever railway bridge that spans the Firth of Forth, next to the Forth Road Bridge and the soon-to-open Queensferry Crossing. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an iconic symbol of Scotland and for the eagle-eyed can be spotted when on approach to landing at Edinburgh airport.
You might think that the bridge, which was built in 1890, is just nice to look at, or very interesting for engineering groups, but actually there’s much more that groups can experience in the shadow of this mighty structure. They could enjoy lunch or dinner in one of the great restaurants in picturesque South Queensferry; take a rib seafari, darting under the bridge in speed boats and exploring the local wildlife; or for the real adrenaline junkies you can climb and abseil on the bridge…not for the faint hearted!”
Kirsty loves St Andrews Castle
“One of the most magical historic experiences that I can recommend for groups is a visit to St Andrews Castle. But not a normal visit!
The castle ruins are stunning at any time, however, for special groups we arrange a truly unique experience. In the evening the group will gather at the ruin, preferably in kilts. Here, a Scottish gent will address the haggis, amidst the ancient ruins. Guests will enjoy a dram of whisky, then, a full pipe band enters via the drawbridge and performs a ‘beat retreat’ for the guests. It’s a truly memorable experience your incentive group will never forget!”
Elaine’s the girl about town
“I love the contrast between Edinburgh’s Old Town and New Town. In the Old Town you can wander down the Wynds and Streets around the Royal Mile, visit Edinburgh Castle and take one of our ‘taste of Scotland’ tours to experience the delights of Scotland’s food and drink whilst hearing about Edinburgh’s colourful history and characters.
Cross over the beautiful Princess Street Gardens and it feels like a different city! You start to admire the Georgian architecture and will pass by the birthplaces of famous Scots, like Alexander Graham Bell. Dine amongst portraits of greats like Sir Walter Scott and Robert Burns, with an exclusive gala dinner in the Scottish Portrait Gallery. Then your group can dance the night away in the trendy bars and clubs on George Street.”
