There is nothing better than a busy month and this was no exception. You can see from our design features just how many people are busy refurbishing and re-opening places. The great thing for me is that I get to meet some dynamic people, which is definitely one of the perks of the job.
I’ve been to Dundee more times than I could possibly tell you, my Dad comes from there, and we still have family and friends dotted around and of course there are some great pubs. But I have never been to the Forbes of Kingennie Resort. So it was great to have the opportunity to pay it a visit. What a surprise – a veritable oasis of calm! I just loved it, what a setting and some super lodges too. The good news for me is that they take dogs!
Following on from that my local the Kings Arms is now also allowing dogs… it has had a refurbishment and it has definitely made an impression on locals, who are enjoying the fact that it has got its ‘mojo’ back. It has also got a full range of beers, spirits including lots of gins and such like. You may think well so what, but honestly until now it has not had a great line in spirits or beer for that matter. It just goes to show you what a bit of investment can do, and a willingness to cater to the local market. It also means that I can now enjoy a drink, and walk home! Perfect.
The Mhor Festival at Loch Voil in Balquhidder run by the very industrious Tom Lewis and his family, who also own Monachyle Mhor Hotel and MHOR 84 Motel as well as umpteen other food related businesses, has just grown and grown.
This year’s event which takes place over the 27, 28th and 29th May, is promising a weekend of great music, DJ’s, food and drink. This year Tom would love to have a cider tent and a whisky tent but he would like new make whisky. So if there are any brands out there interested in getting involved in what is a very cool event, why not contact him at tom@mhor.net, www.mhorfestival.net.
Billy Lowe and David Wither re-introduced me to the idea of meeting for a cuppa a couple of years ago, but now we have progressed to afternoon tea. I caught up with David recently at The George and enjoyed a catch up and a lovely afternoon tea. I was bursting to find out the latest news about Montpeliers … but that will have to wait ‘til the next issue! I also caught up with Fallon Cowley the very dynamic Operations Director at Manorview Leisure, at Cornhill Castle, the newest addition to the group’s portfolio. It’s another hotel with great potential in a great location. She does a lot of plate spinning… and no, that’s not her latest hobby! But she seems to thrive on it. I was just explaining to her that my family tease me about how ‘onerous’ my job is… flitting about from one bar to another … a few minutes later my stepbrother appeared at my shoulder at Cornhill – he had taken a day off to have afternoon tea with his wife and coincidentally was at the Castle too… his first words were, “what are you doing here” followed by “and you call that work.”
Bob Taylor, otherwise known as Uncle Bob, is organising a Trade ‘Sportif’ Cycle Ride on the 24th May. His term, not mine. He says it’s not a race.
The event kicks off at Pitlochry, then the cyclists will head to Bridge of Allan – around 40 miles, followed by another 40 miles to Milngavie. There will be a ‘Broom wagon’, which will carry spares etc, and of course refreshments along the way. Says Bob, “Hopefully we will raise a wee bit of cash for the BEN, but the main purpose is to get like-minded folk together for a good bike ride. Cyclists can do the full monty or just 40 miles if they want.” More details to follow next month.
I have known a lot of brand managers/directors in my time, but I have to say the only one that regularly communicates with us is Jason R. Craig, now Brand Director at Highland Park. I’m not sure when he started writing to us and filling us in on his latest brand news (I’m not talking about a press release) but when he was at Cutty Sark he did the same thing. It’s a nice touch, and a very effective and traditional form of direct marketing.
Finally Boclair House Hotel officially launched on 30th March and what a party Manorview threw. It really is a spectacular building and I think every guest who attended agreed.
Job very well done!