Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/113255
•pg_14-18__BMT_pg3-58 2/27/13 6:54 AM Page 17 Hotel Missoni development. If we were in Aberdeen, we'd discuss the 80 million pound Terrace development or take you up the coast to where Donald Trump is spending 750 million pounds on what he believes will be one of the world's greatest golf and conference resorts." During my visit to this lush and idyllic country, I set out to get my own perspective of the people and the culture and came away with a view that exceeded Nessie, the country's famous icon. During a whirlwind tour of Glasgow, St. Andrews and Edinburgh, I learned about Scotland's intriguing and storied history; visited Old Course, the site of the birth of golf 600 years ago; savored Scottish fare; and even danced a jig with help from a contemporary Scottish band. I stood in the room in Edinburgh Castle where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to her only son and had drinks aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, former home of Her Majesty The Queen and The Royal Family. I got lessons from falconers and relaxed in a vitality pool at one of Scotland's five star hotels. All this, while also learning the art of fine whisky-making, what it takes to play the bagpipes with excellence, and the tradition behind the famous kilt. I began my visit with my arrival at Edinburgh International Airport where I was transported to the stunning Gleneagles Hotel, host to the G8 Summit of world leaders in 2005 and the venue for the 49th Ryder Cup matches in 2014. The hotel, on 850 acres, has 232 spacious guest bedrooms and a variety of luxury suites to suit all needs, tastes and desires. Gleneagles has three golf courses and an equestrian center offering riding lessons, polo matches and team building events. If visiting, be sure to stop by the falconry building and meet falconers Susan Paterson and Steve Burdett and get an introductory lesson with Heather, a Harris Hawk, that will daintily perch on your wrist and Neville, a peregrine falcon that can fly at speeds up to 250 mph. You also can meet the hotel's impressive gun dogs, nine Labrador Retrievers that are used for hunting. On the day that I visited, Ptar, Millie, and Wexie were the official decoy fetchers, and each will work hard for a simple pat or treat. When traveling, a knowledgeable tour guide can make the difference between your trip being mundane or memorable and in Scotland my tour group was led by Blue Badge Guide Maggie McCann. A native Glaswegian, McCann captivated our group with historical tidbits that ranged from the Knight Templar's impact on the Scottish Army's battle tactics to Robert the Bruce's rise to King of Scotland after murdering his opponent brazenly in a church. A history buff, McCann also pointed out such sites as the school that Sean Connery attended, and the café where J.P. Rowling hung out while writing her first Harry Potter novel. Our next stop would be Glengoyne Distillery, one of Scotland's most popular distilleries, set on green acres near a tranquil waterfall, and where guided tours , whisky tastings and blending sessions are held. Even if you are a tea totaler, Elisabeth Andersen, the distillery's tour guide, will keep you enrapt with the details that go into the art of whisky-making. If visiting, be sure to check out the black covered buildings where the oak kegs can rest from 10- to 40 years, their ebony colorings caused by a bacteria from the fermenting process. B M & T ••• January/February 2013 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 17