Scotland has begun to take advantage of its stunning natural beauty by adapting many of its finest locations into events venues. In doing so it is well placed to capitalise on the increasingly lucrative corporate market. Business tourism is expanding across the world and Scottish venues have both the spectacular geography and eye-catching events venues to make a real impact in the industry.
According to the Press and Journal, Scotland has a tremendous variety of event venues that meet the needs of every type of corporate function. While more intimate conference venues can be found to meet the needs of small or medium-sized businesses, grander locations also offer outstanding facilities to suit the requirements of major corporate events with capacities for thousands of delegates.
Although more standardised conference centres are available for businesses seeking no-frills event venues, locations such as the magnificent Stirling Castle are also on offer. The castle is steeped in centuries of history and is integral to the major events of the past that have created the modern Scotland. William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots and Robert the Bruce have all been associated with the castle over the past millennium and their collective spirit lends the venue a distinct atmosphere.
Despite being a grand location the castle provides opportunities for events of varying scales, with opulent dinners facilitated by the great hall while castle vaults allow more intimate meetings to take place. Alternatively, the nearby Argyll's Lodging offers a similar atmosphere within the comfort of a Renaissance townhouse. In addition to offering one of the most impressive landmarks on Scottish soil, Stirling Castle is also easily accessible, positioned within close reach of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Media and sporting businesses are frequently attracted to meeting venues offered by Scotland's sporting centres. While Glasgow's Ibrox and Celtic Park maintain their popularity as event venues, Murrayfield Stadium has undergone renovations since the mid-1990s to offer a wide collection of meeting rooms and conference facilities. The stadium offers 16 meeting rooms that can comfortably accommodate up to 80 delegates, while larger suites in the West Stand offer facilities for 1,200 dinner guests and 500 delegates, respectively. In addition, more intimate meetings are once again facilitated by hospitality boxes overlooking the pitch below.
As with the historic events venues, the stadiums offer delegates the opportunity to meet amid the heart of the Scottish sporting world, in locations which have a special place in Scotland's consciousness.
Scottish authorities are also keenly aware of the importance of expanding the conference industry in order to strengthen and enhance future revenues. Integral to this plan is the £110 million Forthside scheme which aims to revitalise the waterfront in Stirling through the sustainable creation of new conference facilities, offices and housing. Connectivity will be provided through proximity to Stirling train station and the development is intended to assist the city to compete with Aberdeen venues.
In other news, billionaire entrepreneur Donald Trump has had his billion-pound golf resort authorised for Aberdeenshire. The development has proved controversial but should see extra investment pouring into the country.
