01044 NewsScotland 28 A/W - Scottish Convention Bureau

inside newsScotland page 2 - BTU office network
pages 3 – 11 - news from suppliers
page 12 - new team members for BTU - forthcoming events
ISSUE 32 | Spring 2006
newsScotland
news and information from VisitScotland’s Business Tourism Unit

2 news and information from VisitScotland’s Business Tourism Unit
Welcome to our Spring newsletter
Welcome to the Spring edition of our newsletter highlighting the latest developments, news and
products within the business tourism industry in Scotland.
We are delighted to announce that VisitScotland’s Business Tourism Unit team is now complete. As well
as our headquarters in Edinburgh, we also have regional offices in other areas of Scotland and in London:
HEAD OFFICE
Ocean Point One
94 Ocean Drive
Edinburgh EH6 6JH
Tel: (+44) (0)131 472 2355
Fax: (+44) (0)131 472 2009
Email: businesstourism@visitscotland.com
Website: www.conventionscotland.com
BTU Regional Offices in Scotland
CENTRAL
Catriona Anderson and Kerry Watson
VisitScotland
Business Tourism Unit - Central
Lower City Mills
West Mill Street
Perth PH1 5QP
Tel: +44 (0) 1738 450607
Fax: +44 (0) 1738 630416
Laura Nairn
VisitScotland
Business Tourism Unit - Central
Haig House
Haig Business Park
Balgonie Road
Markinch
Fife KY7 6AQ
Tel: +44 (0) 1592 764204
Fax: +44 (0) 1592 611 180
New IncentiveScotland Guide
We are pleased to announce the arrival of our new essential guide IncentiveScotland. The
guide is packed with ideas to inspire, motivate and reward your top achievers. It contains
details of hotels and resorts, unique and unusual venues, exclusive use venues, support
services, restaurants, destination management companies and City Convention Bureaux,
as well as sample programmes highlighting Scotland as a world class destination. For your
free copy contact us now!
If you are interested in receiving this newsletter by email, please log on to
www.conventionscotland.com and under Latest news/Newsletter, fill in your details.
For further information on any of BTU’s activities or to use our free enquiry service please contact us at:
Business Tourism Unit, VisitScotland, Ocean Point One, 94 Ocean Drive, Edinburgh EH6 6JH
Telephone: 0131 472 2355 Fax: 0131 472 2009 E-mail: businesstourism@visitscotland.com
Website: www.conventionscotland.com
NORTH
Moira Unwin and Rebecca Steven
VisitScotland
Business Tourism Unit - North
Peffery House
Strathpeffer
Ross-shire IV14 9HA
Tel: +44 (0) 1997 423033
Fax: +44 (0) 1997 42116
SOUTH
Caroline Smith
VisitScotland
Business Tourism Unit - South
Unit 2
15 Skye Road
Prestwick
Ayrshire KA9 2TA
Tel: +44 (0) 1292 673 756
Fax: +44 (0) 1292471 832
LONDON OFFICE
Michèle Ashby
Business Tourism Unit
VisitScotland
19 Cockspur Street
London SW1Y 5BL
Phone: +44 (0) 207 321 5771
Fax: +44 (0) 207 930 1817

Contemporary yet Classical City
Centre Venue
City Halls, Glasgow
The newly refurbished City Halls, Glasgow, provide a versatile contemporary yet classical
venue in the heart of the Merchant City, just minutes from transport links. A variety of
spaces, including the Old Fruitmarket, the Grand Hall, the Bazaar Bar and the Candleriggs
Bar, can accommodate every kind of function or conference for groups of 20 to 1400 with an
overall site capacity of up to 3000 split over seven levels. The venue also has facilities for
live broadcasting and video link conferencing. City Halls, Glasgow’s oldest purpose-built
performance and meeting space, is also home to the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and
the Scottish Music Centre.
Further information from Fiona Nelson, City Halls and the Old Fruitmarket, Candleriggs,
Glasgow G1 1NQ. Tel: 0141 353 8080 Fax: 0141 353 8001
E-mail: fionan@glasgowculturalenterprises.com Website: www.glasgowcityhalls.com
An Unforgettable Event Experience
The Glasgow Royal
Concert Hall in the
heart of the city centre
is an impressive
landmark in the city’s
main retail district.
No matter what the
occasion, the hall can
accommodate 20 to
2400 delegates in a
variety of dynamic
spaces – the
Auditorium, the
Buchanan Suite, the
Strathclyde Suite, its
many bars, or the
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
contemporary fine
dining restaurant The
Green Room. The Concert Hall offers a bespoke service, including full catering, business and
IT facilities, providing an unforgettable event experience.
Further information from Fiona Nelson, The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall,
2 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G2 2NY. Tel: 0141 353 8080 Fax: 0141 353 8001
E-mail: fionan@glasgowculturalenterprises.com Website: www.grch.com
news and information from VisitScotland’s Business Tourism Unit 3
Unique Corporate
Events at Spectacular
Historic Venues
The National Trust for Scotland gives
delegates attending large international
conferences ample opportunity to experience
some Scottish history and culture within their
busy schedules. Exclusive tours of castles and
mansion houses, and sumptuous dinners, can
be arranged all over Scotland. Mar Lodge, a
historic shooting lodge in a spectacular
29,000-hectare Highland estate, with
accommodation for up to 30 guests, can offer
delegates and incentive groups hunting,
shooting and sporting activities during the
day, followed by a prestigious dinner or lively
ceilidh in the imposing Stag Ballroom at
night.
Further information from Geraldine Graf
The National Trust for Scotland,
Wemyss House, 28 Charlotte Square,
Edinburgh EH2 4ET
Tel: 0131 243 9406
Fax: 0131 243 9594
E-mail: ggraf@nts.org.uk
Website: www.nts.org.uk
Traquair Tours –
A Haunting
Experience
Incentive and corporate groups can now enjoy
an extraordinarily atmospheric after-dark
ghost tour of Traquair House that really brings
its history to life. Step back in time as never
before, with torches lighting your way to the
floodlit castle and family members from days
gone by hosting your visit. The tour takes
approximately 45 minutes, finishing with a
glass of mulled wine or dinner in the 18thcentury
dining room. Set in beautiful Borders
countryside less than an hour from
Edinburgh, Traquair provides delegates with
an experience that will haunt them for years
to come.
Further information from Catherine Maxwell
Stuart, Traquair House, Innerleithen EH44
6PW. Tel: 01896 830323 Fax: 01896 830639
E-mail: catherine@traquair.co.uk Website:
www.traquair.co.uk

4 news and information from VisitScotland’s Business Tourism Unit
Aberdeen Offers
Landmark Meeting
Space with Historic
Charm
The Old Town House, one of Old Aberdeen’s
most famous landmarks, has reopened after a
massive transformation, adding to the
University of Aberdeen’s portfolio of unique
conference and event venues. The 200-yearold
building, which can accommodate up to
30 delegates, boasts a reception area, open
meeting space and fully equipped meeting
room. Sales and Marketing Manager
Stephanie Millar, says, “The venue has been
making quite an impact on event organisers.
The Old Town House really is unique. Only by
viewing it can one truly appreciate its
individuality and the quality of preservation
that has taken place to retain its historical
charm.”
Further information from Stephanie Millar,
University of Aberdeen Conference and
Events Office, Campus Services,
University of Aberdeen, King’s College,
Aberdeen AB24 3FX. Tel: 01224 272452
Fax: 01224 276246
E-mail: s.millar@abdn.ac.uk
Website: www.abdn.ac.uk/confevents
Harburn Haven
Harburn House
Only 30 minutes from Edinburgh and 40
minutes from Glasgow, Harburn House, set in
3000 acres, provides the perfect haven from
the hustle and bustle of the city. Let to only
one group at a time, you really do get away
from it all the minute you drive through the
gates. A brand-new permanent marquee with
stunning views over the water gardens can
accommodate corporate groups of up to 150 –
perfect for training, conferences and away
days, or even evening dinners and parties.
Further information from Fiona Gilmour,
Harburn House, Harburn, West Calder EH55
8RN. Tel: 01506 461 818 Fax: 01506 416 591
E-mail: fiona@harburnhouse.com Website:
www.harburnhouse.com
Dunblane Hydro – Return to Glory
Dunblane Hydro
The 206-bedroom Dunblane Hydro is recapturing its former glory. Forty-four rooms in the
main building have been completely refurbished, 96 bedrooms in the Stirling wing will be
finished by June, and plans to install a spa are in the pipeline. The Hydro is also bringing
top-class entertainment to its 650-capacity function room, with jazz singer Carol Kidd
kicking off the inaugural show. Masterminding operations at the hotel is new General
Manager Tricia Fitzsimons who guided her previous hotel to many awards. Transformation of
Dunblane Hydro into one of Scotland’s most sought-after hotel destinations is well and truly
underway.
Further information from Aynsley Bates, Dunblane Hydro Hotel, Perth Road,
Dunblane FK15 0HG. Tel: 01786 826610 E-mail: AynsleyBates@chardonmanagement.com
Website: www.dunblanehydrohotel.com
Platinum Club Provides the Finer Things in Life
Aberdeen Patio Hotel has invested £3 million in launching their Platinum Club rooms.
Aimed at guests wishing the finer things in life, all rooms have broadband internet
connection, complimentary soft drinks mini bar and the most modern facilities. With access
to their own reception area, lounge and dining facilities, all guests visiting Aberdeen for
conferences or meetings will get the best of the best. In addition, a second floor has been
added to the Leisure Club to house the new gym, a dance studio and a beauty spa.
Further information from Margaret Walker, Patio Hotel, Beach Boulevard,
Aberdeen AB24 5EF. Tel: 01224 652057 Fax: 01224 638833 E-mail: info@patiohotels.com
Website: www.patiohotels.com
New City-centre Conference Complex
The Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh,
is creating a unique city-centre complex,
comprising 3 stunning meeting/conference
spaces and a hotel. The historic Surgeons’ Hall
offers meeting rooms and a 4-star visitor
attraction museum. Symposium Hall boasts a
quality auditorium for 158 equipped with
cutting-edge audiovisual technology.
Quincentenary Hall, a beautiful new building
opening summer 2006, will provide the perfect
venue for small conferences and social events.
Ten Hill Place Hotel, opening late 2006, will
provide quality accommodation adjacent to the
campus.
The Royal College of Surgeons
Further information from Moira Walker, Surgeons’ Hall Complex, Nicolson Street,
Edinburgh EH8 9DW. Tel: 0131 527 1731
E-mail: m.walker@rcsed.ac.uk Website: www.surgeonshallcomplex.com

Dryburgh Abbey Hotel Gains
Future-proof Facility
Dryburgh Abbey Hotel
news and information from VisitScotland’s Business Tourism Unit 5
Dryburgh Abbey Hotel has decided to relocate
its bar facilities to take full advantage of
magnificent views over the River Tweed. In
conjunction with local IT support company
Glen Communications, the original bar space is
being developed as a state-of-the-art bespoke
conference room, the Glen Room, complete
with wireless broadband, hardwired
broadband and teleconferencing. General
Manager Ken Keenan stated, ‘This partnership
will have benefits for both companies. We gain
the technical expertise of a specialist IT
company who are future-proofing the facility
and they have a shop window for their skills.’
Further information from Kevin Keenan, Dryburgh Abbey Hotel, St Boswells, Melrose,
Scottish Borders, TD6 0RQ Tel: 01835 822261 Fax: (+44) 01835 823945
E-mail: gm@dryburgh.co.uk Website: www.dryburgh.co.uk
High-quality Dining in Ancient Castle
Blair Castle
Well-known as a venue for banquets, balls and functions for up to 220 guests in the
Ballroom, Blair Castle can now accommodate smaller high-quality dining for 16 to 50 guests
in the grand State Dining Room. The castle, ancient seat of the Dukes of Atholl, is ideally
located just off the A9 in beautiful Blair Atholl, Perthshire, just an hour and a half from
Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Further information from Lyndsey Dolliver, Blair Castle, Blair Atholl, Pitlochry PH18 5TL.
Tel: 01796 481207 Fax: 01796 481487 E-mail: office@blair-castle.co.uk
Website: www.blair-castle.co.uk
Thainstone Tops in North-east
Situated close to the A96 and within easy reach of air and rail links, Thainstone EXCHANGE,
Inverurie, is the purpose-built facility for conferences, exhibitions, events and functions in
north-east Scotland. This flexible venue offers 1000 square metres of exhibition space, fitted
with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, and can accommodate up to 1000
delegates or 600 diners in a comfortable and stylish setting. High-quality catering facilities
and parking for over 1000 cars are available on-site.
Further information from Events Manager, Thainstone EXCHANGE, Thainstone Centre,
Inverurie AB51 5XZ. Tel: 01467 623700 Fax: 01467 623777 E-mail: events@goanm.co.uk
Website: www.goanm.co.uk
Fasan Ur: Culinary
Sensory Heaven
Experience Fasan Ur, a new food and whisky
concept for 15 to 25 diners, at The Famous
Grouse Experience, located at Glenturret,
Scotland’s oldest working distillery, near
Crieff. Gaelic for ‘new fashion’, Fasan Ur is an
exclusive culinary sensory heaven; a menu of
6 to 9 courses, intrinsically Scottish but
international in feel, using the finest local
ingredients served with whisky instead of
wine. This, together with the charm of
relaxing in the hospitality of a distillery so
steeped in history and rich in heritage,
ensures that Fasan Ur is an experience diners
will never forget.
Further information from Joanna Watson,
The Famous Grouse experience, Glenturret
Distillery, The Hosh, Crieff PH7 4HA.
Tel: 01764 656565 Fax: 01764 654366
E-mail: enquiries@thefamousgrouse.com
Website: www.thefamousgrouse.com
Corn Exchange
Offers Additional
Conference Space
Refurbishment of the Newmarket Suite
enables the Edinburgh Corn Exchange to offer
an additional facility which combines the
traditional style of the building with modern
sanded hardwood floors and atmospheric
lighting. Equipped with blackout facilities,
natural daylight and a large screen data
projector, the room is ideal for meetings for
up to 140 people or as an additional breakout
room for one of the larger meeting spaces
that cater for up to 1500. Alternatively, the
room, which has its own private bar, can be
used for a dinner-dance for up to 100.
Further information from Carrie Murray,
Edinburgh Corn Exchange, 11 Newmarket
Road, Edinburgh EH14 1RJ. Tel: 0131 477 7301
Fax: 0131 477 7303 E-mail: info@ece.uk.com
Website: www.ece.uk.com

6 news and information from VisitScotland’s Business Tourism Unit
Integrity
International Events,
Press Choice for
Conference
Integrity International Events, one of
Scotland’s leading Professional Conference
Organisers, has been appointed to organise
this year’s second Joint British and American
Medical Sociology Conference to be held in
Edinburgh at Pollock Halls from the 18th-20th
June. Invited guests include medical
sociologists from the UK, America, Canada
and beyond.
The conference will promote intellectual and
personal interaction within the medical
sociology communities across the globe. It is
also hoped that the conference can build
bridges, promote networking and develop
ideas which are all essential goals for this
event.
Further information from Derek Petrie,
Integrity International Events,
7 St Alban’s Road, Edinburgh EH9 2PA.
Tel: 0131 624 6040 Fax: 0131 624 6045
E-mail: derek.petrie@integrity-events.com
Website: www.integrity-events.com
Howies Provide
Private Dining for
Corporate Clients
Howies Waterloo, Edinburgh, have opened a
new private dining area for parties of up to
26. All types of event can be catered for –
business events, meetings, incentives, private
dinners, office parties and team get
togethers.
Howies, Aberdeen, can seat up to 100 in the
main restaurant or up to 20 in each of the two
private dining rooms for corporate business,
meetings or celebrations. With privacy,
bespoke menus and great service, it’s a
difficult venue to beat.
Further information on Howies,
Edinburgh, from Penny Simpson,
Howies, 29 Waterloo Place,
Edinburgh EH1 3BQ.
Tel: 0131 556 5766 Fax: 0131 556 5766
Further information on Howies, Aberdeen,
from Laura Mackenzie,
Howies, 50 Chapel Street,
Aberdeen AB10 1SN. Tel: 01224 639500
Fax: 01224 634230
E-mail: info@howies.uk.com
Website: www.howies.uk.com
The Summit for Corporate Events
Gleneagles Hotel
At Gleneagles Hotel you will find everything you need to help you organise and enjoy
corporate events or conferences in Scotland. Your next event may be smaller scale than the
G8 Summit, but that makes it no less important. So when you need your event to run
smoothly and leave a lasting impression, be it a large international conference, boardroom
meeting, incentive or themed event, or teambuilding day with a difference, there are few
more inspiring venues than Gleneagles.
Further information from Resort Sales, The Gleneagles Hotel, Auchterarder PH3 1NF.
Tel: 0800 740705Fax: 01764 694335 E-mail: simon.brown@gleneagles.com
Website: www.gleneagles.com
18th-century Elegance with
City-centre Convenience
Edinburgh First at the University
of Edinburgh is currently
refurbishing one of its truly
stunning 18th-century mansions
set in the tranquil shadow of
Arthur’s Seat. Salisbury Green will
reopen as Salisbury Green Hotel
and Conference Centre in May
2006, giving Edinburgh First 4star
year-round accommodation
convenient for access to the city
centre. Originally built in 1748,
Salisbury Green boasts a number
of beautifully proportioned
meeting rooms, each offering a
wealth of period features and with
the flexibility to host a variety of
Edinburgh First at the University of Edinburgh meetings and events. The
sympathetic refurbishment will
provide 36 en-suite twin, double and single rooms, some accessible for disabled guests.
Each bedroom will have internet access and cable television as well as the modern
conveniences expected in a hotel of this calibre.
Further information from Edinburgh First, The University of Edinburgh, 18 Holyrood Park
Road, Edinburgh EH16 5AY. Tel: 0131 662 2000 Website: www.salisburygreen.com

Hilton Dundee – Confident of Meeting
Expectations
Whether you need facilities for a
boardroom, product launch or major
international conference, Hilton Dundee
is confident of meeting your
expectations. A major £1.4 million
refurbishment programme in 2006 will
include bedroom, corridor and public
area renovation and improved safety and
Hilton Dundee
security measures, including sprinkler
systems in all bedrooms and reception
areas and CCTV in and around the hotel and car park. The multi-purpose Earl Grey function
suite will be redecorated, recarpeted and fitted with upgraded lighting.
Further information from Gillian Riddoch, Hilton Dundee, Earl Grey Place,
Dundee DD1 4DE. Tel: 01382 229271 Fax: 01382 315521 E-mail: events.dundee@hilton.com
Website: www.hilton.co.uk/dundee
Chic Inverness City-centre
Urban Retreat
Rocpool Reserve
news and information from VisitScotland’s Business Tourism Unit 7
Just opened in Inverness is chic city-centre urban retreat
– Rocpool Reserve boutique hotel, bar and restaurant.
Features include 11 luxurious individually designed
bedroom suites with spa-esque bathrooms, r bar – a
stylish informal cocktail venue, the spacious yet
intimate Reserve restaurant, seating 55, with fantastic
views over the River Ness, and the Red Room, a
sumptuous private dining or meeting space for up to 14
people. The restaurant can also be split into two private
areas. Wifi and broadband connections in all bedrooms
and public areas mean the hotel can be used as a
private venue for conference, incentive or corporate
hospitality.
Further information from Jillian Walker, Rocpool Reserve, 14 Culduthel Road,
Inverness IV2 4AG. Tel: 01463 240089 Fax: 01463 248431
E-mail: info@rocpool.com Website: www.rocpool.com
Explorer’s Residence Right Choice
for Corporate Events
Extensive refurbishment to the third floor of Channings
Hotel, Edinburgh, provides luxury accommodation for
conference, meeting and incentive guests. Now available are
5 spacious, individually designed rooms boasting
Edinburgh’s biggest, most luxurious, bathrooms, with
underfloor heating, stand-alone roll top baths, giant shower
heads and attic windows overlooking the city. The suites
feature large pen and ink sketches of scenes from the life of
Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, who from 1904 until
1910 resided at 14 South Learmonth Gardens, the town
house now occupied by Channings’ Kingsleigh and Library
meeting rooms. Shackleton’s reputation for leadership skills
makes these spaces the perfect backdrop for corporate
events, training, or brainstorming.
Further information from Channings Hotel, 12–16 South
Learmonth Gardens, Edinburgh EH4 1EZ. Tel: 0131 274 7401
E-mail: events@townhousecompany.com
Website: www.townhousecompany.com
Channings Hotel
EICC at Cutting Edge
in Speaker
Presentations
Edinburgh International Conference Centre
(EICC) has launched SPEAKER PREVIEW, a
bespoke software programme that could
become the industry standard for online
speaker presentation submission. The
software, compatible with all web browsers,
enables conference speakers to log on to an
EICC-hosted site www.speakerpreview.co.uk
and send large presentation files direct to the
Centre’s server without experiencing the
transfer problems commonly associated with
sending files as e-mail attachments. The new
service will now form part of the EICC’s
standard technical offer.
Further information from Becky Strong,
Edinburgh International Conference Centre,
The Exchange, Edinburgh EH3 8EE. Tel: 0131
300 3000 Fax: 0131 300 3030 E-mail:
sales@eicc.co.uk Website; www.eicc.co.uk
One of Scotland’s
Hidden Jewels
Rufflets
Rufflets, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of
the World and one of Scotland’s oldest
established, privately owned country house
hotels, is one of the country’s hidden jewels,
providing friendly personal service and true
Scottish hospitality. Located just 1 mile from
St Andrews, Rufflets has just completed
extensive refurbishment of all 24 bedrooms.
Guests seeking extra space and comfort can
choose to stay in Kinness Lodge which offers
4 en suite bedrooms, separate luxury kitchen
and lounge.
Further information from Susan J Reid,
Rufflets Country House, Strathkinness Low
Road, St Andrews KY16 9TX.
Tel: 01334 472594 Fax: 01334 478703
E-mail: events@rufflets.co.uk
Website www.rufflets.co.uk

8 news and information from VisitScotland’s Business Tourism Unit
Edinburgh Luxury
Hoteliers Buy
Famous Glasgow
Landmark
Edinburgh luxury hoteliers, The Town House
Company, renowned for their tasteful
conversion of historic buildings into unique
contemporary hotels, have purchased the
former Royal Scottish Automobile Club,
Blythswood Square, at a price in excess of
£4.5 million. Plans are afoot to renovate the
historic landmark property, built in 1823, to
its former glory and sensitively convert it into
a 5-star, 109-bedroom hotel, with conference
facilities, restaurants, bar and first-class
leisure club and spa. Included in the
development will be restoration of the famous
Rally Bar, named after the Monte Carlo Rally,
which once started from Blythswood Square.
The building also houses some of the finest
Edwardian features in the city and numerous
Art Deco fixtures and fittings.
Further information from Fiona Strauss,
The Town House Company.
Tel: 0131 625 5532
Email:
fiona.strauss@townhousecompany.com
Website: www.townhousecompany.com
One-stop Access
to Cream of
Edinburgh’s Event
Facilities
Marketing consortium Unique Venues of
Edinburgh has added three new venues to its
portfolio – Underground Edinburgh, the
Playhouse and Mavis Park Hall. Unique
Venues now offers one-stop access to 23 of
the cream of Edinburgh’s event facilities to
help organisers choose an exceptional place
for their next business event. All three new
venues offer their own unique ‘wow’ factor to
sell the credentials of a group already laden
with memorable event appeal.
Further information from
www.uniquevenuesofedinburgh.co.uk
Winton is a Winner
Winton House
Exclusive use venue, Winton House, Pencaitland, only 17 miles from Edinburgh, won its first
major award when it was named Scotland’s Leading Villa for 2005 at the recent World Travel
Awards. The Awards recognise and reward companies in all sectors of the global travel
industry that offer the best customer service, product and service initiatives. Winton
attributes its success to great customer care and hospitality, supported by fantastic local
suppliers, interesting clients and a dedicated team who know how to have fun. In recent
years concentration on the conference, incentive and activity days market has resulted in
positive growth for Winton and helped boost the economy of East Lothian.
Further information from Robert Steadman, Winton House, Pencaitland EH34 5AT.
Tel: 01875 340222 Fax: 01875 340232 E-mail: enquiries@wintonhouse.co.uk
Website: www.wintonhouse.co.uk
Bespoke Event and Destination
Management Just a Mouse Click Away
FruitSalad Events, the Glasgow-based company which provides
bespoke corporate event and destination management services
throughout the UK, now has a new interactive site (address below)
with CRM, e-mail and sms marketing capabilities, secure client areas
and foreign language translations reflecting its key target markets.
The site will enhance FruitSalad Events’ e-commerce capabilities and
overall ability to market both itself and Scotland globally on the web. Conferences, business
seminars, incentive travel, golf trips, product launches and team building events are all just
a mouse click away.
Further information from FruitSalad Events, 2/2 237 Bearsden Road, Glasgow G13 1DH.
Tel: 0870 066 8766 Fax: 0870 066 8767 E-mail: events@fruitsaladevents.com
Website: www.fruitsaladevents.com
Centre of Excellence Offers
High-adrenaline ‘Thrillers’
Dunalastair Activity Centre in the heart of stunning Perthshire is a corporate events venue
with a real difference. Action-packed activities, adventure sports and indoor and outdoor
pursuits take place all year round. Adventure activity zones combine outdoor field space
with purpose-built indoor areas, providing unrivalled facilities for visitors. From highadrenaline
‘thrillers’, such as high ropes courses, canyoning or abseiling, to team building
favourites such as team challenge and treasure hunts, to highly skilled target pursuits like
lasers and archery, there will always be an activity to suit you, regardless of season. And,
opening Easter 2006 is a fabulous new courtyard bar, brasserie, barbecue and coffee shop.
All in all, a Centre of Excellence.
Further information from Dunalastair Hotel, Kinloch Rannoch, Near Pitlochry PH16 5PW.
Tel: 01882 632323 E-mail: activities@dunalastair.co.uk Website:
www.dunalastair/www.activityscotland.com

Elegant and Tranquil Setting for
Conference Delegates
Royal Terrace Hotel
The opening of the Western
House Hotel and the Princess
Royal Conference and Exhibitions
Centre makes Ayr Racecourse the
largest capacity venue in Ayrshire.
Twelve suites can accommodate
any event from boardroom to
exhibition set, placing the Course
firmly on the meetings and
incentives map. The main Princess
Royal Suite can cater for up to
Ayr Racecourse
1500 delegates theatre-style. The
Course is venue of choice for the prestigious annual Ayrshire Wedding Show.
Further information from Sharon Jardine, Ayr Racecourse, 2 Whitletts Road, Ayr KA8 0JE.
Tel: 08700 555510 Fax: 08700 555515 E-mail: sjardine@ayr-racecourse.co.uk
Website: www.ayr-racecourse.co.uk
news and information from VisitScotland’s Business Tourism Unit 9
A £3.2 million refurbishment programme is
nearing completion at the 4-star Royal
Terrace Hotel, Edinburgh, part of Prima
Hotels Group. The Georgian townhouse hotel
has seen extensive modernisation of most of
the 107 bedrooms and bathrooms, including
the introduction of T Mobile wifi internet
access. The restaurant, bar, leisure club, all
public areas and meeting rooms have been
upgraded. Located in the city centre and
boasting unrivalled landscaped gardens, the
Royal Terrace offers an elegant and tranquil
setting for the busy delegate.
Further information from Sarah Finlay, The Royal Terrace Hotel,
18 Royal Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5AQ. Tel: 0131 524 5136 Fax: 0131 557 5334
E-mail: sarah@royalterracehotel.co.uk Website: www.royalterracehotel.co.uk
Make it Ayr of Course
Surf’s up in Scotland?
Local entertainments company ABC Events’ surfing simulator brought a touch of Hawaii to
the Fitness First health club in Edinburgh last month. Members of the gym pitted
themselves against the waves as part of their regular social events calendar.
“Everyone really enjoyed trying out the surfboard – it was great to have something fun and
different” said gym instructor and event organiser Jamie Byrne.
Surf Supervisor and ABC Events employee Bob Scott was
obviously impressed by the gym-goers’ skills. “Their
training was obvious tonight. They had good balance and
flexibility and a few of the guests had the surf mastered
by the end of the night. But we’ve promised to bring along
one of our Bucking Bronco’s next time to really test them.
The Broncos are faster, harder and spin around a full 360
degrees.”
Both Bronco’s and Surfing Simulators are available for a
variety of events.
ABC Events
Sounds like a great reason to keep training!
Further information from ABC Events, 47 Bo’ness Road, Grangemouth, FK3 8AN.
Tel: 01324 622 228 Fax: 01324 489 001 Email: info@abc-events.co.uk
Website: www.abc-events.co.uk
Fitness First Edinburgh can be contacted on 0131 558 7887.
Grab Some
Georgian
Grandeur
The George Hotel, Edinburgh, is ideally
located less than 5 minutes from Edinburgh’s
Waverley Station and 20 minutes from the
airport. Set amongst the Georgian splendour
and grandeur of George Street, Edinburgh’s
most prestigious street, renowned for firstclass
shopping and dining, the George, with
its unsurpassed standards of service, is the
perfect venue for conferences, meetings or
events. An extensive £12 million
refurbishment to be completed this summer
will place the hotel at the forefront of the
deluxe 4-star market. Facilities include 195
stylish, luxurious bedrooms supported by the
latest technology, 8 unique meeting rooms
capable of accommodating events for up to
300, and the decadent domed King’s Hall,
Edinburgh’s newest banqueting space.
Further information from Gary Corrin, George
Hotel, 19–21 George Street,
Edinburgh EH2 2PB. Tel: 0131 225 1251 Fax:
0131 226 5644
E-mail:
george.reservations@principal-hotels.com
Website: www.principal-hotels.com
New En Famille
Dining Concept
Travel Scot World ended a record-breaking
season by successfully managing an
unforgettable incentive trip for 650 people
from the United States. Highlight of the trip
was the opportunity for guests to experience
Travel Scot World’s new En Famille dining
concept, getting to know the ‘real’ Scotland
and Scots by spending the evening with
Scottish hosts in their own homes and
sampling home-cooked cuisine. Rachel
Meldrum, Incentive Manager, declared this
concept of dining a real success and said,
‘This is something we will definitely be
offering to our guests in future.’
Further information from Rachel Meldrum,
Travel Scot World, 5 South Charlotte Street,
Edinburgh EH2 4AN.
Tel: 0131 226 3246 Fax: 0131 220 1271
E-mail: rachel@travelscotworld.co.uk
Website: travelscotworld.co.uk

10 news and information from VisitScotland’s Business Tourism Unit
Major Castle
Break Out
Dundas Castle
Dundas Castle, one of Scotland’s leading
hospitality venues, is launching 5 new
breakout rooms in the Auld Keep adjoining
the main castle. The rooms can each
accommodate 10 to 18 people. Lucy Scillitoe,
Commercial Director, said, ‘The extra
breakout rooms allow us to be more flexible
to suit our clients’ requirements. For an event
to be memorable, companies now prefer the
venue to make a lasting impression too. The
breakout rooms in the Auld Keep combine the
very best of the 15th and 21st centuries.’
Located 10 minutes from Edinburgh Airport
and just 8 miles from the city centre, Dundas
offers extensive conference and banqueting
facilities for exclusive use and 14 luxurious
bedrooms.
Further information from Jennifer Honan,
Dundas Castle, South Queensferry,
Edinburgh EH30 9SP. Tel: 0131 319 2039
Fax: 0131 319 2068
E-mail: jennifer@dundascastle.co.uk
Website; www.dundascastle.co.uk
Make Thyme Your
Choice for Quality
Wilde Thyme Catering and Food Design has
shot to prominence in just two years and is
now recognised as one of the best event
caterers in Scotland for intimate dinners of 30
people to large corporate launches. Wild
Thyme’s mission is to provide both innovation
and consistently high-quality food, and
everything they use – ingredients, crockery,
cutlery, glassware and linen – is carefully
selected to fulfil these aims. Andrew Hammer,
formerly Executive Chef at Gleneagles, has
joined the team as Catering Director and is
helping drive this new generation of quality
event catering.
Further information from
miranda@wilde-thyme.co.uk
Exclusive Accommodation and
Warm Scottish Welcome
Highland Lodges extend a warm Scottish
welcome to incentives and corporate
groups and now provide unique bespoke
packages tailored to specific needs in fully
catered accommodation on an exclusive
use basis in large private houses and
estate lodges throughout Scotland.
Specialising in groups of 8 or more,
Highland Lodges can organise activities
from golfing to white water rafting.
Friendly, knowledgeable and professional
staff will take care of any requirements
with a personal touch. All properties are
Highland Lodges
catered by experienced chefs using the
finest and freshest Scottish produce. Highland Lodges guarantee your stay in Scotland will
be memorable.
Further information from Nick Barnett, Highland Lodges, Kinloch Beag, The Gardens,
Meigle PH12 8QX. Tel: 01828 640064 Fax: 01828 640064 E-mail: neb@hlscot.co.uk
Website: www.highlandlodges-scotland.com
Old Course on Course for New
Heights in Luxury
One of Europe’s finest 5-star
resorts and one of the world’s
landmark business venues,
the Old Course Hotel, St
Andrews, has undergone a
multi-million pound
refurbishment, lifting it to
unprecedented new heights in
luxury. Everything that could
be improved has been – new
guest rooms and suites, a
Old Course Hotel
stunning new spa, and
perhaps most significant, a
superb new conference wing offering a range of versatile facilities to complement and
enhance the already outstanding meeting spaces. The new wing is due to open in April
2006.
Further information from Val Eglinton, Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa,
St Andrews KY16 9SP. Tel: 01334 474371 Fax: 01334 477668
E-mail: reservations@oldcoursehotel.co.uk Website: www.oldcoursehotel.co.uk
An Experience to be Savoured
Eat on the Green, in the village of Udny Green, just 20 minutes from Aberdeen, is an
experience to be savoured. The restaurant has a relaxed, informal atmosphere, where you
will enjoy quality food and service and a view overlooking the historic village. Chef Craig
Wilson, winner of Visit Scotland’s Northern Lights Food and Drink award 2005, creates an
imaginative range of contemporary and classic dishes using only the best local produce. Eat
on the Green now offers a private room for 25 guests, the Post Room, formerly the village
post office. This brings the restaurant capacity to 70. Eat on the Green is the ideal venue for
any business event. Reservations are highly recommended.
Further information from Craig Wilson, Eat on the Green Restaurant, Udny Green,
Near Ellon AB41 7RS.
Tel: 01651 842337 Fax: 01651 843362
E-mail: craig@eatonthegreen.co.uk Website: www.eatonthegreen.co.uk

Significant Upgrade at
The Salutation Hotel
The Salutation Hotel, Perth, has
completed a major refurbishment
of the Moncrieffe Suite,
significantly upgrading the hotel’s
conference capabilities.
Improvements include new
fabrics, carpet, chairs, ceiling
multi-function lighting and air
conditioning. Technological
innovations comprise data
projection with multi-screen
projection from 3 points, including
The Salutation Hotel
a 10 foot screen, 5 light settings,
roving and tie microphones,
digital video camera, DVD, CD, laptop, wireless broadband, induction loop, remote control
audiovisual, electronic screens. Also new is the facility to link presentations by camera to
the adjacent Moncrieffe Reception, thus increasing conference capacity to 360.
Further information from Louise McEachern, Salutation Hotel,
34 South Street, Perth PH2 8PH. Tel: 01738 630066 fax: 01738 633598
E-mail: salutationevents@strathmorehotels.com Website: www.strathmorehotels.com
Perfect Conference Venue and
Post-conference Retreat
On-site accommodation at the
Business Learning & Conference
Centre (blcc), Dunfermline, is now
open. In partnership with Express
by Holiday Inn, blcc offers
delegates 24-hour Residential
Conference Packages from £97.50
per person. Blcc’s informal
meeting space is ideal for any
occasion and 27 conference/
Business Learning & Conference Centre
breakout rooms provide maximum
flexibility. Blcc also provides the
perfect post-conference retreat whether you want to relax in the bar or unwind in the
comfortable, modern bedrooms, all equipped with desks and free high-speed internet
access. In a fantastic location, just off the M90, blcc is only 20 minutes from Edinburgh, but
without the disadvantages of city traffic congestion. If you are looking for a venue that
surpasses your expectations, blcc, with its excellent service and friendly atmosphere, is the
perfect choice.
Further information from Tracey Kerwin, Business Learning & Conference Centre, Halbeath,
Dunfermline KY11 8DY. Tel: 01383 559000 Fax: 01383 559001 E-mail: info@theblcc.co.uk
Website: www.theblcc.co.uk
Unique Club Class
The 4-star, 64-bedroom, luxury boutique Carlton George Hotel in the heart of Glasgow now
offers a unique selection of Club Rooms, each featuring a balcony overlooking the city. For a
supplement the hotel can provide upgraded soft furnishings, newspapers and magazines,
Penhaligon toiletries, power hairdryer, gourmet snacks, still and sparkling mineral water,
and balcony furniture.
Further information from Claire Noel, The Carlton George Hotel, 44 West George Street,
Glasgow G2 1DH. Tel: 0141 353 6373 Fax: 0141 353 6263
E-mail: resgeorge@carltonhotels.co.uk Website: www.carltonhotels.co.uk
news and information from VisitScotland’s Business Tourism Unit 11
Charming
Conference
Ambience
Royal Scots Club
The Royal Scots Club in the heart of
Edinburgh’s New Town provides a charming
ambience for residential conferences, private
banqueting and drinks receptions. All 5
suites, many with magnificent tranquil views
over Queen Street Gardens, have just been
extensively refurbished and all superior and
four poster rooms have been redesigned. This
is a relaxed and comfortable venue for any
occasion.
Further information from Susan Reid,
The Royal Scots Club, 30 Abercromby Place,
Edinburgh EH3 6QE.
Tel: 0131 556 4270 Fax: 0131 558 3769
E-mail: events@royalscotsclub.com
Website: www.royalscotsclub.com
Bath and
Soaps!
The Best Western Winnock Hotel, Drymen,
Loch Lomond, is currently building a
24-bedroom extension which will make it the
largest 3-star hotel in the area. Included are 7
superior rooms with private patios on the
ground floor and balconies on the first floor.
Bathrooms feature flat screen televisions so
you don’t have to miss your favourite
programmes while soaking away the stress of
the day. The conservatory, completed last
year, provides a popular meeting space for up
to 30 people.
Further information from David Warner, Best
Western Winnock Hotel, The Square, Drymen
G63 0BL.
Tel: 01360 660245 Fax: 01360 660267
E-mail: info@winnockhotel.com
Website: www.winnockhotel.com

New starts
VisitScotland’s Business Tourism Unit has
recently appointed Yulia Kovanova as
Marketing Executive. Yulia joins the BTU from
the Edinburgh International Conference Centre
(EICC) where she worked as part of the
marketing team. Yulia will provide support for
the BTU’s marketing strategy of growing
meeting and incentive business to Scotland
from corporates, conference organisers,
meeting planners and incentive agencies.
Yulia Kovanova
Another important part of Yulia’s remit will be
the implementation of media, PR, promotional
and direct marketing campaigns, organisation of
industry and buyer events as well as developing the
BTU’s specialist website www.conventionscotland.com
“Business Tourism is extremely important to
VisitScotland. I am delighted to be part of a successful
BTU team and look forward to working towards and
achieving our goals of bringing more business to
Scotland”
Tel: +44 (0) 131 472 2334
E-mail: yulia.kovanova@visitscotland.com
We are also delighted to announce the
appointment of Rachel MacDonald as
Marketing Executive. Prior to joining the BTU
Rachel worked at Historic Scotland
(Edinburgh & Stirling Castles) where she
gained valuable industry experience as part of
the Corporate Events sales and marketing
team for over 2 years.
Along with Yulia, Rachel will offer support for
the implementation of the Business Tourism
Rachel MacDonald
Unit’s marketing strategy, primarily its direct
marketing campaigns, industry and buyer event
organisation, PR activities and media.
Tel: +44 (0) 131 472 2360
E-mail: rachel.macdonald@visitscotland.com
forthcoming events:
11 May Association Dinner, Amsterdam
17-18 May Scotland Means Business workshop,
Perthshire
30 May-1 June IMEX, Frankfurt
20-22 June Sales Mission, Cologne/Düsseldorf
21-23 August Incentive Works, Toronto
28-30 August Highland Hooley, Frankfurt/Cologne
The remit of the BTU team has further
expanded with the appointment Michèle
Ashby as a London Account Development
Manager. Michèle will be responsible for the
implementation of sales activity to grow
meeting and incentive business from London
and South East based corporate, conference
organisers, meeting planners and incentive
agencies.
Having recently worked as a sales manager
for an 4 star deluxe hotel in London, Michèle Michèle Ashby
will be using her sales background to
generate additional business tourism and expenditure
from this important market. Michèle notes that “with
business tourism to Scotland projected to double in
value by 2015 in an increasingly competitive market
place, it is vital that we ensure that Scotland maintains
its position as a leading business tourism destination”.
Tel: +44 (0) 207 321 5771
E-mail: michele.ashby@visitscotland.com
Rebecca Steven has recently joined the
Business Tourism Unit as Assistant Business
Tourism Manager based in the Northern
Office in Strathpeffer. She works alongside
Moira Unwin, Business Tourism Manager, to
promote venues in the Northern area from
Amhuinnsuidhe Castle in the Western Isles to
Ackergill Tower in Caithness. Rebecca
previously worked in the Quality and
Standards department at VisitScotland, and
within the tourism industry for organisations Rebecca Steven
such as Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the
Palace of Holyroodhouse.
“I am thoroughly enjoying my new post so far and am
looking forward to promoting the Highlands as a top
destination for business tourism"
Tel: 01997 423 003
E-mail: rebecca.steven@visitscotland.com
Laura Nairn was recently appointed by the
BTU as Assistant Business Tourism Manager -
Central Region. Laura worked for the
Kingdom of Fife Tourist Board as a seasonal
Tourist Information Centre assistant whilst
studying at St. Andrews University and Fife
College. After graduating, Laura joined
VisitScotland as Open Golf Assistant. At the
end of her contract, Laura worked with a Fife
solicitor’s firm, until re-joining VisitScotland
in 2005. Laura’s new role will involve
Laura Nairn
promoting the BTU's services and marketing
opportunities to Central area partners, acting as a point
of contact for enquiries and assisting with the
organisation of events.
Tel: 01592 764204
E-mail: laura.nairn@visitscotland.com
Contact us now for advice on your next meeting, incentive or corporate event.
Business Tourism Unit, VisitScotland, Ocean Point One, 94 Ocean Drive, Edinburgh EH6 6JH
Telephone: 0131 472 2355 Fax: 0131 472 2009 E-mail: businesstourism@visitscotland.com
Website: www.conventionscotland.com
The information in this newsletter is as supplied to the BTU who can accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions. Roy Stewart Print Services 01293/VS7790