Tuesday
Time for a brief break from the joys of Scottish hospitality and back to business , one of my favorite kinds . I was a keynote speaker at the Business Tourism Scotland : Conference 2016 – a chance to share my experience and give back . It was held at the Technology and Innovation Centre , University of Strathclyde , Glasgow , which boasts numerous well-equipped event venues and tourism specialists from all over Scotland . This is a venue brimming with inspiration . My now very familiar hosts ( friends ), Robert and Neil were both present , along with a few of my colleagues who also attended the ILEA Global Event Summit back in April . They guided me through the whole process and I was introduced to almost everyone at the conference . The city ’ s marketing says “ People Make Glasgow ” and I found this to be true wherever I went . Everyone in the city was warm , welcoming and incredibly proud of their city .
Wednesday
Sadly , my final day , and I was given a gift by VisitScotland . Not a physical item , but something that turned out to be more valuable and every bit as tangible , it was a tour of the stunningly beautiful and deeply historic , Stirling Castle . Wednesday was a cold , misty and rainy day , and I can ’ t think of better weather in which to experience this enchanting and atmospheric national treasure ; I was beyond impressed . The upkeep of this castle that dates to the 12th century is what impressed me the most , it ’ s as immaculate as the time it was first built , and to be in its surrounds is truly awe-inspiring . Amazingly , practically the entire castle can be hired for corporate and social events and I can imagine any event held there would be full of possibilities , authentic and memorable .
The end of the day was spent at Gleneagles , a classy , world-renowned hotel and championship golf courses with a luxurious spa , all of which are completely tremendous . Gleneagles is magnificent ; an absolute charmer , and I know my social and corporate clients will be very interested to learn more about it . I can ’ t wait to tell them .
During this final day , I spent extra time with Neil and we discussed the pros and challenges of the strong brand presence that Scotland has around the world . Now , after this wondrous trip to so much , but by no means all , of Scotland ’ s fabulous offering , I am left in no doubt that Scotland has so much to tell the corporate events world , so much to offer and so much to teach us about hospitality .
My entire visit to Scotland was an amazing experience , during which I feel I made lifelong friends and family , and for that I thank ILEA and the warm and wonderful people of Scotland .
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