Educational trips for the UK and German markets

German buyers’ trip

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The group of German buyers, led by Heather McNee , Corporate & Incentive Assistant Manager and with activities curated by Spectra DMC, were treated to an exquisite afternoon tea at Colonnades at the Signet Library in Edinburgh’s old town.

Immersive Edinburgh experience

After arrival at Edinburgh airport, the group of German buyers, led by Heather McNee, Corporate & Incentive Assistant Manager and with activities curated by Spectra DMC, were treated to an exquisite afternoon tea at Colonnades at The Signet Library in Edinburgh’s old town. This heritage Georgian venue is suitable for a wide range of events from sophisticated awards dinners and formal drinks receptions to board meetings and product launches.

This was followed by a fascinating and spooky tour of the Underground Vaults beneath the streets of Edinburgh’s old town, given by the award-winning Mercat Tours.

Spectra DMC

The Signet Library

Mercat Tours

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The group put their creative skills to the test with an introduction to kilt making with Gordon Nicholson Kiltmakers.

Distinctive venues and cultural immersion

Remaining in Edinburgh, the group visited unique venue The Rowantree. A former tavern, The Rowantree is a cosy place steeped in history – indeed, it is famed for being the watering hole for all the key figures in the Scottish Enlightenment, including Rabbie Burns, David Hume and Adam Smith. Today it is ideal for private dining and incentive trips.

The second unique venue on the itinerary was Marlin’s Wynd. Dating from the fifteenth and seventeenth centuries, and with stunningly renovated stone vaults, Marlyn’s Wynd would make a dramatic and unique setting for private dining, product launches, corporate and media events.

In the afternoon the group put their creative skills to the test with an introduction to kilt making with Gordon Nicholson Kiltmakers. The Academy at Gordon Nicholson teaches makers the skills needed to create exceptional handsewn kilts, with courses tailored to a wide range of abilities.

Home for the night was the Radisson Blu hotel, located in the heart of the historic Royal Mile in Edinburgh's old town, just a short walk to major city centre attractions. The hotel features a range of stylish rooms and suites, on-site leisure facilities and an on-site restaurant, Itchycoo Bar and Kitchen.

Post dinner, the group took drinks at the stylish W Edinburgh, with its panoramic views of the Edinburgh skyline at night.

The Rowantree

Marlin’s Wynd

Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers

Radisson Blu Hotel

W Edinburgh

Break for nature

The buyers spent a morning with the award-winning WanderWomen Scotland, who provided a serene and calming outdoor meditation experience in Edinburgh's beautiful Holyrood Park, with moments for reflection, deep relaxation, connection, and even a bit of movement, before we continued with the rest of our trip.

WanderWomen Scotland

Jewel in the crown

They also had the privilege of visiting Kinross House, undoubtedly one of the finest private residences in the UK. Built in 1685, today, the house has been fully restored and it was awarded the UK Sotheby’s Restoration Award in 2013. Located just 30 minutes from Edinburgh, the 4,000-acre Kinross House and estate is available as one of the most exclusive and prestigious private venues in the UK and is available to hire for corporate retreats, special occasions and private events.

Kinross House

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The group’s next stop was St Andrews, where they stayed at the luxurious Fairmont St Andrews hotel.

St Andrews – The Legendary Home of Golf

The group’s next stop was St Andrews, where they stayed at the luxurious Fairmont St Andrews hotel. This stunning venue provided unforgettable cliff-top views of the North Sea and offered the group a unique, hands-on candle-making activity.

After an exhilarating land-yachting experience with Blown Away, racing along the West Sands of St Andrews, the visit crowned in stops at the iconic Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa, a taste of hickory golf at Hill of Tarvit, and a memorable tour of the Kingsbarns Distillery. St Andrews delivered an unparalleled experience, seamlessly blending adventure, luxury, and history.

Fairmont St Andrews

Blown Away

Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa

Hill of Tarvit

Kingsbarns Distillery

British buyers’ trip

Feeding deer and llamas at the Culzean Castle and Country Park

Connecting with nature

The UK buyers’ trip, led by Theresa Steven, Business Development Manager - UK explored the area to the northwest and southwest of Glasgow, taking in the spectacular views around Loch Lomond and the sea air around the Firth of Clyde, before finishing in the city of Glasgow.

Day one saw the group head to the historic Boturich Castle overlooking Loch Lomond with its stunning new glass pavilion – suitable for up to 200 guests and ideal for conferences, corporate events and team away days. From here it was a short hop to the opposite side of the loch for lunch at Cameron House. With capacity for up to 500 guests, Cameron House is an excellent choice for meetings, conferences, and corporate events.

The group then travelled south of Glasgow to the Ayrshire coast to the exquisite boutique golf hotel Marine Troon for dinner and an overnight stay. Marine Troon offers breath-taking sea views and is conveniently located next to the Royal Troon Golf Club - an ideal setting for meetings, team-building activities, and offsite events.

Remaining on the west coast, the group spent the morning of day two at the awe-inspiring cliff top Culzean Castle & Country Park. Their visit began by feeding deer and llamas at the deer park, followed by an exploration of the extensive walled garden and a castle tour. The visit was topped off with a stunning three-course immersive lunch experience provided by Mharsanta at Culzean Castle & Country Park.

Boturich Castle

Cameron House

Marine Troon

Culzean Castle & Country Park

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The trip concluded with a visit to The Clydeside Distillery, on the banks of the river Clyde in Glasgow and the first dedicated single malt distillery in Glasgow for over 100 years.

Elegant events

Dinner that evening was enjoyed at the five-star Trump Turnberry Hotel, where attendees explored the hotel’s various event spaces including a magnificent ballroom with capacity for up to 500 guests. The evening was spent at Turnberry’s unique venue The Lighthouse, which can be exclusively hired.

The final day of the trip saw the group head north to the elegant Crossbasket Castle, a sophisticated venue in a rural setting, perfect for drinks, meetings and spacious dinners. The trip concluded with a visit to The Clydeside Distillery, on the banks of the river Clyde in Glasgow and the first dedicated single malt distillery in Glasgow for over 100 years – the perfect setting for a unique private event or incentive trip.

Trump Turnberry

Crossbasket Castle

The Clydeside Distillery

Theresa Stevens, Business Development Manager UK, said “We had an unforgettable three days hosting the UK buyers’ trip. It was a true privilege to be able to showcase the remarkable range of venues on the west coast of Scotland, ideal for conferences, corporate dinners and incentive groups. We also had the opportunity to highlight the region’s ease of accessibility and its passion for using locally-sourced produce.”