As the 2019 incentive season draws to a close, we are looking forward to what 2020 might have in store. It’s going to be the year of Scotland’s Coasts and Waters…and there’s a lot to celebrate! Over 10,000 km of coastline (over 15,000 km if you include the islands) more than 31,000 individual lochs, 11 major rivers, and let’s not forget the water of life (whisky!). It’s no wonder that so many of our incentive experiences are based around, or on, water.
To kick off the celebrations early, we’ve put together a sample programme for a corporate incentive trip; focused on exploring the Scottish outdoors and some of our most famous coasts and waters.
Day 1 – Arrive and relax
Your group will be met at the airport by our kilted gents, before being transferred to a 5* luxury hotel on the banks of Loch Lomond – one of the most iconic lochs in Scotland. You’ll enjoy a relaxed welcome dinner in the Boathouse at the water’s edge, entertained by a traditional Scottish clarsach player.
Day 2 – Loch views & city discoveries
The group’s first full day will start with an adrenalin fuelled 4×4 off-road driving experience on the rugged terrain above Loch Lomond. You’ll then continue to traverse the hills to discover breath-taking views of sea loch, Loch Long. After some hair-raising descents, the participants will re-group for a traditional pub lunch in the local village.
In the afternoon, they will have the choice of two activities. Either a speedboat adventure on Loch Lomond, stopping off at one of the remote islands for a beer; or a cultural foodie walking tour in the City of Glasgow, which sits on the River Clyde – once home to one of the world’s biggest shipyards.
Dinner that evening would be at a local, picture-postcard whisky distillery. It would include a tour of the distillery and a nosing/tasting session with a whisky expert. The group would be entertained by a traditional Scottish folk band, like the one below.
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Day 3 – Country pursuits and seaside delights
The group will depart Loch Lomond and head east towards St Andrews. En route there, they will stop to learn the country pursuits of fishing and shooting, followed by a luxury picnic-style lunch by the river.
The group will leave the rolling hills and big forests of Perthshire behind as they travel east to St Andrews. If they are Outlander fans, then a stop at Falkland Palace is a must! Or they could visit a gin distillery before arriving in St Andrews, at their next 5* luxury hotel. That evening, a dinner of fresh Scottish seafood will be on the menu at an exquisite restaurant, perched on the waters edge.
Day 4 – Exploring St Andrews and a gala dinner to remember
The final day will begin with a walking tour of St Andrews, taking in the University, the castle and cathedral ruins, as well as the cobble streets and old harbour. Guests will be given time to enjoy the gift shops as well as a pre-paid credit card for a casual lunch in one of the towns many bistros, cafes and bars.
In the afternoon, they will have the choice of high-speed land yachting on the famous ‘Chariots of Fire’ beach – the West Sands. Or a more typical activity for St Andrews, they can opt for a round of golf on one of the regions’s many excellent golf courses and even a lesson from an experienced golf professional.
Later that afternoon, the guests will be adorned with kilts and tartan sashes, ready for their final evening gala dinner.
Escorted in a fleet of vintage cars, the will cross the estuary of the River Tay to the magnificent Victoria & Albert Museum on Dundee’s waterfront. Welcomed by a piper, they will enjoy a feast of stunning Scottish food and entertainment which could include an Address to the Haggis, sword dancing, a ceilidh band and finishing the night with a great band or DJ.
2020. The Year of Coasts and Waters. It’s a perfect fit with Scotland’s incentive offer. Will it be the perfect incentive destination for your next group? Hello Scotland would love to be your destination management partner, so get in touch!
Credit ,Visit Scotland for some of the photography above.