It was once described as ‘the eighth wonder of the world’ and rolling up the hotel driveway, passing it’s beautifully manicured golf courses, it’s hard not to be impressed by the scale and presence of Gleneagles.
Of course it’s fame and prestige precede it, yet to be absolutely honest, my happiest memories of Gleneagles were attending a number of Scottish farm weddings here in the late seventies and early eighties which were great social events.
It’s massive sprung dance floor, has also left and indelible impression in my mind and which I seem to recall being particularly well received by gently mannered, yet boistrous Scottish farmers who loved dancing the night away to the ‘Duke of Perth’, ‘Military Two Step’ and ‘Strip The Willows’ as their kilts swirled and the dance bands birled.
Ah yes, ones salad days, indeed!
Of course it also has also been the forum for great events in the history of our modern world, and the Gleneagles Agreement was one, which I particularly recall during the dark days of apartheid.
So it was, if not exactly like visiting an old friend after many years absence, at the very least a pleasant return on business, to undertake a series of meetings and film recee on behalf of my clients Perth and Kinross Council and the Green Tourism Business Scheme
Waiting for me in a smart business suit at reception was Fiona Smith, who as well as looking after all health and safety, food safety and fire safety, also has the role as co-ordinator for all matters that fall under Gleneagles ‘Going Green’ policy.
After all the usual formalities I asked Fiona to dispense with the Diageo Corporate hat and speak to me about why she ended up in the driving seat for the hotel’s many green initiatives.
And so ensued what can only be described as a whirlwind tour – back of house – through a maze of interlinking corridors to every nook and cranny of the hotel.
Now my friends will tell you I’m not short on puff when it comes to get up and go, and even at fifty five, I feel I can hold my own with many half my age .. well, maybe those in their forties anyway!
So when Fiona explained that as well as having total belief and commitment to apply innovative green solutions to every aspect of Gleneagles business
And with that we were off again at Mach five! From kitchens to restaurants, storage areas to laundry rooms, biomass boilers, to the florists, the shooting school to the equestrian centre, the Glenmor Village and back again to the hotel. Meeting the head chef, Alan Gibb, then Scott Fenwick who is in charge of the entire golf and estates throughout the complex and then back to meet her colleagues in every office that no one had managed to hide in
Ok, so I was wiped, out dynamo’d, and then she was off into the ether to her next meeting.
My only hope is that when we return to film, someone, somewhere will be mindful of this film director’s countenance and age, and put Ms Smith in traction.
Just for a few hours, please?
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