Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events has officially introduced its specialist hospitality and event packages at Ayrshire’s majestic Culzean Castle to Destination Management Companies (DMCs), with an exclusive weekend of Scottish food and history.
As part of a special two-day ‘Spring Fling’ experience organised by the National Trust for Scotland, local DMCs were invited to try out the food and drink offering, as well as take part in activities including a safari-style tour of the estate and trips to local attractions.
Representatives from leading DMCs such as K&N Associates, Spectra/Kyles, Experience Scotland, Cashel Travel, Hello Scotland and Dream Escape, visited the nearby Robert Burns Birthplace Museum before enjoying a luxurious three-course meal showing off some of Scotland’s best produce, including Inverawe smoked trout and Scottish beef, glazed with Isle of Arran mustard butter.
Local gin producer Hendricks, which is made in nearby Girvan, provided an intimate gin nosing and tasting, with their Master Distiller, Lesley Gracie, sharing her knowledge in the venue’s stunning Round Drawing Room, which boasts breath-taking views across the Firth of Clyde.
The weekend finished with a bespoke three-course dinner, with each dish celebrating local produce and provenance.
Sandy Robson, Account Director for Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events, said: “Culzean Castle is a breath-taking venue and having just come in to our portfolio at the start of this year, we were keen to show it off to its full potential to event bookers.
“We pride ourselves on creating great experiences; whether hosting a corporate meeting, bespoke event or elegant wedding – great food featuring fantastic local produce is always at the heart.
“The ‘Spring Fling’ provided the perfect opportunity to showcase the natural larder available on Scotland’s West coast and the versatility of this amazing venue.”
Pietro Cecchini, Head of Travel Trade & Hospitality at the National Trust for Scotland, said: “Our partnership with Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events allows us to introduce our unique venues like Culzean Castle to new audiences, and this special event offered the perfect behind-the-scenes look at what’s on offer.
“We look forward to hosting a number of bespoke meetings, events and celebrations throughout the year.”
One of Scotland’s most popular visitor attractions, Culzean Castle is run by conservation charity, the National Trust for Scotland and boasts a fascinating history as well as a stunning location on Scotland’s Ayrshire coast.
Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events manages a growing collection of heritage venues across Scotland, including Perthshire’s Blair Castle and the historic Dundas Castle on the outskirts of Edinburgh.
Culzean Castle, Spring Fling menu:
Inverawe smoked trout cranachan, single malt glaze, raw, confit, pureed and pickled beetroot from Girvan, aerated Crowdie, toasted oatmeal granola