Inspired by Aberdeenshire in Scotland
Image: Balmoral Castle the large estate house in Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, owned by Queen Elizabeth II.
How everything has changed for the world in the last few months, we can only describe the current situation we find ourselves in as unprecedented and quite unbelievable. As a team at Principal, we have taken to our homes like the rest of the UK and find ourselves working in new surroundings…. As the resident Scott in the team, my set up is a far cry from our office in Camden, London. The view out my window in the heart of the Aberdeenshire countryside has changed to rolling hills, open farmland and panoramic skies out to the coast.
Images: Project Manager, Emma Macphie (left) and the rolling hill of Aberdeenshire (right)
Aberdeenshire stretches from the Banffshire coast in the North all the way around the St Cyrus National Nature Reserve in the south east to the Cairngorms National Park in the west. The county is synonymous with its picturesque coastlines, beautiful seaside towns, rugged cliffs, sandy beaches and being on the cusp of the Highlands. Scattered across this area are centuries old distilleries, fantastic parklands, golf courses, ancient castles and the list continues. The perfect place to relax, take in the culture and enjoy the fresh air around you.
This area has so much to offer to anyone thinking of taking a group to the North East of Scotland. From city accommodation like the brand-new Hilton or Aloft hotels located next to The Event Complex which is Aberdeen’s brand-new conference centre. Or maybe something smaller with more of a boutique, luxury feel in the heart of the countryside like the Fife Arms located just a 14-minute drive from the renowned Balmoral Castle or the 18th Century Thainstone House Hotel and Spa.
Image: Fyvie Castle has an 800-year history, rich in legends, folklore and even ghost stories.
Activities are a plenty, such as Whisky tasting in famous distilleries like Glen Garioch, GlenDronach, Ardmore or Royal Lochnager. If you wanted to try your hand at golf, there is a plethora of courses to choose from such as the Balgownie at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, Cruden Bay, Murcar Links or Ballater Golf Club. When it comes to castles, Aberdeenshire is the place to visit from atmospheric ruins to homes fit for a Queen such as Dunnottar Castle, Crathes Castle, Balmoral Castle or Fyvie Castle. For a more traditional offering and a truly Scottish heritage experience you can look at arranging a Highland Games, one of Scotland’s greatest sporting traditions. Dance the night away at a Ceilidh whilst wearing Highland dress in the form of a Kilt and listening to traditional music played by an experienced bagpiper.
Image: Looking over a dry stone wall to the Royal Lochnagar Whisky Distillery– established in 1845 and visited by Queen Victoria in 1848, near Balmoral on Royal Deeside.
With 165 miles of coastline and from harbour to plate restaurants, it is not surprising that Aberdeenshire has an outstanding reputation for its seafood. Some favourites include The Tolbooth restaurant on Stonehaven harbour, The Silver Darling in Aberdeen, Howies on Chapel Street in Aberdeen or The Fife Arms in Braemar.
Images: View from The Tolbooth Restaurant (left) and Dunnottar Castle, Stonehaven (right)
I hope this snapshot has inspired you to explore the reaches of the North for your future events. And remember, that despite our name, we are UK wide Destination Management Company and we would relish at the opportunity to design a memorable incentive or conference event in Scotland for you and your delegates when everything returns to normal.