MICE Destination Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and according to the Edinburgh Convention Bureau it is “the perfect business and conference destination – a beautiful city, with a rich cultural heritage on the leading edge of commerce, finance and academia”.
If you are an event planner and looking for your next MICE destination this post can help you to plan your next event in Scotland by providing you with information about locations and activities suitable for groups.
Edinburgh has an airport but it is not served by all international airlines. You might consider taking a connecting flight from London or taking the train from London King’s Cross railway station. Train journey will take you between 4.30- 5.00 hours and will bring you to the city centre. If you decide to come with the train, make sure that you book your group tickets early in advance because the prices increase closer to the travel day and there may not have any more places available.
Hotel Jurys Inn Edinburgh is situated just few minutes’ walk from the train station and perfectly suitable for business travellers. Jurys Inn is a hotel chain with the advantage of having its hotels close to railway stations in major UK cities, e.g.- Newcastle and Liverpool.
Edinburgh Castle is an iconic site and number 1 tourist attraction in Edinburgh. It hosts public events during the year, when the most popular is the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. It is possible to host private events as well, but because the venue is owned by the Scottish government there are many restrictions on what type of events one can organise.
Entrance view to Edinburgh Casle
Few minutes’ walk from Edinburgh Castle is The Scotch Whisky Experience. The venue is suitable for corporate meetings and conferences or just as a leisure/incentive activity for groups. You can start your visit with an introduction tour, learning about the production process, followed by whisky tasting and lunch. The experience can take two hours and great in combination with Edinburgh Castle tour.
Lunch at The Scotch Whisky Experience, first and second course
For more information visit The Scotch Whisky Experience website
Edinburgh International Conference Centre is the iconic conference centre of the Scottish capital. The venue integrates CSR in the event planning process and does it through sustainable events planning (e.g.- CO2 savings), food (e.g.- seasonal ingredients from local suppliers, packaging recycled and food waste reduced), technology (e.g.- LED lighting, flexible staging system), cleaning and waste (e.g.- waste reduction, recycling) and facilities (e.g.- identification of energy wastage and controlled consumption).
Pentland Suite, can accommodate up to 1200 delegates
For more information visit the EICC official website
St. Andrews is located about two hour’s drive from Edinburgh and is best known worldwide as Golfer’s Paradise. This is a perfect destination for incentives and can be also well combined with a few days stay in Edinburgh. One of the popular hotels in St. Andrews is the Old Course Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, which in 2011 was nominated by the Scottish Hotel Awards the Luxury Resort Hotel of the Year.
View from Old Course St. Andrews Hotel over the golf course
For more information visit the Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa website
Another 30 minutes drive from St. Andrews will bring you to Ansruther, a small town located on the sea-side. It used to be a fishing village, but now its main industry is tourism.
In this town you can find one of the best Fish and Chips restaurants, called Anstruther Fish Bar. It is so popular that there will be a queue when you arrive, but it moves quickly so you will be seated shortly. The restaurant is small, so if you are in a group of over 20 people you might consider splitting the group in two and finding additional activity for part of the group. Reservation is necessary.
Anstruther
Anstruther Fish Bar, one of the best in UK
For more information visit Anstruther Fish Bar website
If you would like to give your event a royal touch, then you shall consider The Royal Yacht Britannia, which was the former yacht of Queen Elizabeth II. Now it is moored and serves as an exhibition yacht and events venue. It is a 5 star venue and suitable for private and corporate dinners and drink receptions. If you are interested in a less formal event during day time, an option will be to organise a group tour and finish with lunch on the Royal Deck Tea Room.
Fine dining on board of The Royal Yacht Britannia
Lunch at the Royal Deck Tea Room
For more information visit The Royal Yacht Britannia official website
Additional recommendations for group activities and restaurants in Edinburgh suitable for groups:
- National Museum of Scotland
- Edinburgh Bus Tour
- Edinburgh Zoo
- Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
- Our Dynamic Earth
- Pancho Villas Mexican Restaurant
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