Premium quality is a Scottish hallmark, reflected in such signature products as whisky, smoked salmon, shortbread, cashmere knitwear and Sean Connery, the original 007. From a field of many, here are five first-rate Scottish experiences.
Dating to 1494, whisky, the “water of life,” is intrinsic to Scottish life. Shipped around the globe, single malt, grain and blended Scotch whiskies generate more than roughly $6.3 billion in exports each year. Whisky tourism is also big business, including the standout Malt Whisky Trail (www.maltwhiskytrail.com). Weaving through picturesque Speyside in the Scottish Highlands, this unique collection of seven working distilleries, plus a cooperage and historic distillery, is an absolute must for groups. From Glenfiddich to Glenlivet to Strathisla, home of Chivas Regal, it’s liquid gold from start to finish.
Scotland’s other leading indigenous export, of course, is golf. For duffers, there is no higher aspiration than to play the Old Course at St Andrews (www.standrews.org.uk), birthplace of the game six centuries ago. Remarkably, all seven courses here, Old Course included, are public, and can be booked by groups. The 209-room Fairmont St. Andrews and the 144-room Old Course Hotel both offer expansive conference space along with golf and other packages.
Among golf’s most significant tournaments, the Ryder Cup returns to Scotland in 2014 for the first time in 40 years. Hosting the prestigious event will be the legendary Gleneagles Hotel (www.gleneagles.com) in Perthshire, which has already opened its Jack Nicklaus-designed PGA Centenary Course for the event. That means conferees can tee off like Ryder Cup champions while enjoying the other charms of this 1924 jewel. Set on 850 acres, Scotland’s leading golf hotel also features French-Scottish culinary magic from Andrew Fairlie, the country’s only two-Michelin-starred chef and first (and only) Grand Chef Relais & Chateaux.
He died young, but poet Robert Burns (1759-1796) lives forever in the hearts and minds of Scots. Writing hundreds of poems and songs, the “Bard of Scotland” is synonymous with the strongest parts of Scottish character and pride. Located southwest of Glasgow in Alloway, the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum (www.burnsmuseum.org.uk) is a superb showcase of Burns’ life. With flexible space for up to 120 guests, programs include the unforgettable Burns Supper. Smaller groups can enjoy this signature event in Burns Cottage, the “auld cley biggin” where Burns was born.
For over 44 years, the Royal Yacht Britannia (www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk) was the floating residence of the British Royal Family. Decommissioned after 968 official visits and more than 1 million miles around the globe, the elegant vessel (the last of 83 British Royal Yachts, dating to 1660) now serves as a five-star venue for evening events. Berthed in Edinburgh’s Leith port district, the Britannia hosts majestic dinners for 176 guests or cocktail receptions for up to 380 people. Not an ounce of the gold crest, white-glove service has been sacrificed, either; the experience is truly regal.
