Along with golf, Scotland’s product set extends to a wealth of engaging pursuits. Here are some options for putting play on the agenda.
Northwest of Glasgow on the southern edge of Trossachs National Park, the legendary five-star Cameron House on Loch Lomond is a quintessential Scottish luxury property that can host groups of up to 200. Featuring 128 rooms and suites, conference and event space, and two golf courses straddling the Lowland-Highland divide, the property, set on 100 acres, offers unique group activities, including clay pigeon shooting, pony trekking, Celtic Warrior loch cruises and sea plane trips.
Falconry is an ancient and essential pastime of Scottish nobility. Expertly carrying on this tradition is Dalhousie Castle Hotel and Spa. Converted to a hotel in 1972, this 13th century charmer, eight miles south of Edinburgh, is renowned for its falconry program. The onsite Falconry Mews offers various experiences within the castle’s grounds, plus the day-long Hunting with Hawks program in the Scottish countryside. Packages can be tailored to include archery. Dalhousie also offers a number of other activities.
Speaking of archery, this time-honored sport is among many featured activities at the romantic Torridon. Set on a private estate in the Scottish Highlands, this luxurious, eco-conscious, award-winning escape makes the most of its rapturous surroundings. Recognized as one of Scotland’s top multiprogram operators, Torridon Activities takes guests on guided adventures including gorge scrambling, sea and loch kayaking, and for the pure pleasure of it all, walks.
Along with golf, Gleneagles Hotel offers a raft of unique experiences for groups. At the resort’s Gundog School, the first of its kind in the world, guests learn how to handle the Labradors, spaniels and other breeds that have accompanied hunters in the field for centuries. With two of Scotland’s most challenging off-road driving courses nearby, groups can also learn how to handle 4x4 vehicles on rugged tracks in the gorgeous Perthshire countryside.
The resort also recently launched an exclusive partnership with Virgin Balloon Flights for excursions over Perthshire. Other options include wildlife photography and horse riding.
