Clients enjoying meal at Errichel House
Article published 26/10/2023
Located just 90 minutes from 90 per cent of the Scottish population is the beautiful county of Perthshire. Its idyllic countryside setting and accessibility to major cities and transport connections makes it one of Scotland's top business events destinations.
In September (26 - 28), VisitScotland Business Events joined Meetings Perthshire to host an educational trip to the region with six agents and event organisers. In partnership with Loganair to showcase their Heathrow to Dundee route, the three-day trip gave attendees the opportunity to discover the region and its offering for business events and incentive trips.
Tuesday 26th September
On the first day of the trip, guests were met at Dundee Airport by VisitScotland and Greig White from Loganair before being transported to Crieff Hydro Hotel and Resort.
Guests were welcomed by hotel staff to the resort and had the opportunity to explore its extensive facilities and grounds before retiring to their rooms ready for the activities the next day.
Wednesday 27th September
Guests were hosted for a private breakfast at Crieff Hydro Hotel & Resort before heading out for a site visit with a difference on the hotel's electric and eco-friendly EZRaiders all-terrain vehicles, allowing guests to zip effortlessly around the 900-acre estate with a visit afterwards to the property's business events spaces, which can cater for up to 600 delegates.
The next stop was Perth Racecourse, where guests were hosted by the Racecourse and Heritage Portfolio, an award-winning Scottish catering company. The guests experienced first class hospitality, they even judged the best in show and presented the winner of one of the races!
For their overnight stay, guests were transported to the beautiful Murrayshall Country Estate in Perth where they were met by their hotel hosts. The guests enjoyed pre-dinner drinks in the hotel's library before heading into a private dining room for a locally sourced delicious five course menu.
Thursday 28th September
For the final day of the trip, guests enjoyed a private breakfast at Murrayshall Country estate before heading to Errichel House and Restaurant in Aberfeldy.
Guests were taken for a tour of the farm at Errichel and learned more about its sustainability efforts and award-winning Thyme Deli and Bistro. They met the owners and fed some of the animals before enjoying a cheese tasting experience using locally sourced cheeses. The picnic lunch included Scottish items from award-winning chef, Paul Newman.
The final stop for the group was Fonab Castle Hotel & Spa, located in the heart of Highland Perthshire. The guests were welcomed with drinks and canapés at the hotel before joining master chocolatier Iain Burnett for a chocolate tasting experience. Iain shared his insights into the world of artisan gourmet chocolates and gave the group an overview of the flavours, ingredients and textures of his creations before heading into the tasting experience. Guests enjoyed an exclusive chocolate tasting with Iain who has twice won awards for the world's best truffle. Guests tried six different chocolates including his award-winning velvet truffle chocolate.
Commenting on her experience, Emily Morbey, Founder of Miss London Concierge said: "Thank you so much for your wonderful hospitality. The organisation of the trip was impeccable, and we were so well looked after. I loved all the activities, but the race day was very special indeed. It was great to see how this will work for our clients upcoming events and everything from the VIP reception, lunch, the opportunity to present an award combined with the thrill of betting on some winning horses made it a thoroughly enjoyable day! The hotels were both lovely and will be perfect for groups. Thank you for organising such a fun trip and we can't wait to recommend Scotland as a destination for our clients future MICE events."
Emma Richards, Business Development Manager, UK, said: "It is so important to showcase to agents and organisers exactly what a destination has to offer for events beyond the major cities and the activities available, which can elevate the delegate experience. Perthshire certainly did not disappoint.
"We had some incredible feedback from our guests, and I look forward to continuing our conversations over the coming weeks and months and hopefully, seeing some of the guests returning to Scotland in the near future".