Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/113255
•pg_14-18__BMT_pg3-58 2/27/13 6:54 AM Page 18 The Gleneagles 5 Star Luxury Golf Resort Hotel Scotland has several unique hotels that have recently undergone multimillion pound upgrades and renovations, and if visiting, be sure to check out Cameron House on Loch Lomond, Mar Hall, Hotel du Vin at One Devonshire Gardens, and Blythswood Square. Ranging from sumptuous contemporary to Gothic elegance, the four all have unique bedrooms and suites and spaces for events and incentive groups. Internationally known celebrities who have stayed at one or more of these properties include Brad Pitt, Grace Jones and The Rolling Stones. Other unique hotels worth exploring include The Grand Central Hotel in the heart of Glasgow with several rooms that look out into the adjoining train station; Hotel Missoni, on the corner of George IV Bridge and The Royal Mile; and the 5star Balmoral Hotel, with stunning views of Ediburgh Castle. For event and meeting planners, Scotland also offers a variety of unique spaces for corporate meetings and conferences, including The Corinthian Club in the heart of Glasgow; the Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, voted Best UK Convention Bureau from 2007-2010; and The Scottish Exhibition Center, the UK's largest integrated venue for conferences, meetings and events. Other unique spaces of note include the Museum of Transport; Kelvingrove Art Gallery, a magnificent Victorian style venue for prestigious gala dinners and banquets; The Glasgow Science Center; and the National Museum of Scotland. Opening this year will be the Hydro Arena, which with a capacity of 12,500, will be the UK's premiere entertainment venue. For golf lovers, no trip to Scotland would be complete without playing on one of its superb courses, and the country touts itself as the Mecca for golf aficionados. If visiting, be sure to tour the beautifully appointed Old Course Hotel in St Andrews, located alongside the legendary Old Course and near 10 championship golf courses in and around the town. Located also in St. Andrews is the 5-star Fairmont St. Andrews with 209 guestrooms, 16 suites, and two championship golf courses. A self-contained conference center offers 15,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space and a 6,179-sq. ft. ballroom for events with up to 600. While there drop by the front desk and meet the resident K9 ambassador Smudge, or take a tour of the town of St. Andrews, a pilgrimage site in 732 AD for those visiting the bones of St. Andrews, once located at the St. Andrews Cathedral. For the more adventuresome, Wilderness Scotland offers corporate events, incentive programs and wilderness trips to the Scottish Highland that includes mountain biking, canoeing and hiking adventures. For more information on travel to Scotland, visit www.conventionscotland.com. 18 B M & T ••• January/February 2013 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com