Gleneagles Brings New Meetings & Events Options with Old Money Panache
The Scottish resort is the stuff of mystery novels and bragworthy tales with a storied history of its own
In what was called “the fairest portion of the northern kingdom” by Sir Walter Scott, Gleneagles, the glamorous 850-acre retreat set beneath the Ochil Hills of Scotland in the heart of Perthshire, is introducing a trio of new meeting & events spaces for jaw-dropping gatherings.
Gleneagles has long been a premier destination for glorious gatherings and historic meetings – welcoming generations of inventors and innovators, big thinkers and bon vivants, family and friends. It was featured last season during episodes of HBO’s Succession as an assembly spot for the world’s money makers, much like meetings in Davos in Switzerland.
Less than an hour’s drive from both Edinburgh or Glasgow, Gleneagles is expanding its event offerings, and debuting three newly transformed spaces – The Ballroom, The Parlour and The Billiard Room. Inspired by architectural plans from the 1920s, the hotel’s in-house design studio has restored these event spaces to their original glory with designs that are influenced by the hotel’s fascinating heritage as it toasts the next century of lively events at the Glen.
The Ballroom
The Ballroom has been an integral part of Gleneagles’ story since the very beginning, having hosted its fair share of shindigs and soirées. After nearly a century of glamorous gatherings – from Henry Hall’s band’s performance at its opening gala ball in 1924 and Christian Dior’s 1955 fashion show – Gleneagles has given the space a beautiful makeover. Located in the heart of the hotel, the elegant ballroom harks back to the glories of the Edwardian era with cascading chandeliers, grand pillars, a generous stage and mirrored walls.
The Parlour
The Parlour references the room’s original purpose – a convivial venue where guests would convene after dinner to discuss and read classic Scottish literature, art and music. With its traditional double open fireplaces, wood-paneled floors, and elegant columns all complemented by rich warm hues, The Parlour evokes a country house feel, ideally suited for smaller groups, intimate dinners, lunches, private check-ins and welcome drinks.
The Billiard Room
The new trio of spaces will be completed with the creation of The Billiard Room – a social space for pre and post-dinner whiskies, cigars, billiards and lively debate. The space brings the outside in, owing to the brilliant natural light from its expansive bay windows. Evoking a cozy yet luxurious country house feel, the space offers a working fireplace, private outside access to the hotel’s manicured grounds and AV capabilities.
In addition to the abundance of event spaces at the hotel, groups will also have access to the 850-acre estate, which offers a playground of unusual pursuits and activities – “wow” factors to compliment any event. From hitting clay targets at the hotel’s own shooting school, horse riding, playing a few rounds at one of three championship courses, incentives are designed to motivate, inspire and reward.
Gleneagles is an authentically Scottish experience in one of the most luxurious and beautiful settings available in these parts. Since the Roaring Twenties, guests have arrived at the estate in style via Gleneagles’ own private train station. Now under the ownership of Ennismore, great care has been taken to restore Gleneagles to its place as a coveted luxury escape in Scotland with 232 guestrooms and suites, now enhanced with beautiful detailing, fabrics and craftsmanship.
