Perthshire - The Complete Conference & Meetings Package

by Gillian Harrower, Partner, Tourism and Leisure Solutions

Conferences and business meetings are not all about work, no matter how much delegates may protest this is the case. They also incorporate time for relaxation, informal networking and more than a little exploring.

One aspect of Perthshire that adds greatly to the success of meetings and conferences held in the area is the range of attractions and facilities that are on offer for organised and independent pre and post tours and delegate/partner social programmes.

The breathtaking choice of things to see and do in Perthshire admirably complements the quality and range of our meetings venues, making Perthshire one of the most complete conference and meetings destinations in the UK.

For many delegates, the chance to visit one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland is one of the great appeals of coming to Perthshire. Castles, whisky, mountains and lochs are the iconic images of Scotland that are known all over the world and Perthshire can deliver all of them in abundance.

Historic houses such as Blair Castle and Scone Palace provide unsurpassed insights into our history with sumptuous displays and historical artefacts, but they can also provide special facilities for groups looking for behind-the-scenes tours, fine or informal dining and other activities.

We have no less than 5 distillery visitor centres in Perthshire that present the story of our national drink in innovative and fun ways to groups and individuals and highlight some of the best known names in Scottish whisky, including Bells, Dewars and The Famous Grouse - all of them brands that are recognised the whole world over.

As for our mountains, what could be more spectacular than the view of Ben Lawers from Kenmore or the sight of Schiehallion rising above Loch Rannoch? In both locations, quality hotels and restaurants are close by to revive the weary traveller who's had his or her breath taken away by the sheer natural beauty of Perthshire.

Of course, we can't forget our magnificent lochs that are so much part of the Scottish landscape. Not only are they beautiful to look at, but places such as Loch Earn, Loch Rannoch and Loch Tay are also wonderful places to get out on the water with a wide range of different activities from relaxing sailing to wet and wild watersports.

Perthshire is also unsurpassed in offering conference and meeting delegates a great choice of activities that gives them time out of meeting rooms and opportunities to enjoy the great Scottish countryside. Our golf and fishing are world renowned and extremely popular (as well as incredible value!), but delegates can also try their hand at shooting, off road driving, quad biking, white water rafting and more. You name it, you can do it in Perthshire. Perhaps one of the real joys for conference and meeting delegates exploring Perthshire is the number of unexpected surprises that they encounter. Where else can they step on to an Iron Age crannog dwelling? Or go on a Land Rover safari to see Scottish wildlife in remote and spectacular locations? Or even take part in their own Highland Games complete with caber tossing, bagpipe playing and all the iconic images of Scotland? However, many delegates are looking for rather more sedate ways to enjoy a visit to Perthshire and, for them, we have some of the best retail therapy in Scotland from the top quality shopping experiences of House of Bruar and Tullibardine to the small speciality shops and craft workers spread across all our towns and villages. No one will have any problem finding a unique souvenir of Perthshire to remind them of their visit.

At the end of a busy day when you want to relax, Perthshire boasts some of the finest restaurants in Europe where imaginative dishes that use the finest fresh local produce are served by attentive staff in comfortable surroundings. The tastes of Perthshire will stay with you for a long, long time.

Of course, if you want to enjoy more local colour in the evening, there are dozens of local venues hosting music of all sorts from traditional folk to jazz and back to Scottish country dance music. Or major venues such as Perth Concert Hall and Pitlochry Festival Theatre have programmes that regularly feature top performers in all genres from all over the world. So, your evenings can be as active as your days if you so choose.

In summary, what are we saying?

It's simple. Great conference and meetings venues are one part of what Perthshire can offer. But add to them the sights, sounds, tastes and experiences that are also part of Perthshire and you have a complete package that beats just about every other destination in the world.