Social Programmes

Aberdeen Convention Bureau can arrange fantastic social events for your convention to re-energise your delegates.  We'll meet your incentive needs, whether they are classic days out or something more quirky.  Our experienced suppliers can provide anything from outdoor activities to visits to National Trust properties, lavish gala dinners to corporate Highland games.

SAMPLE FULL DAY TOURS courtesy Pam Wells

Crathes Castle & Royal Lochnagar Distillery

This day trip provides the wonderful combination of a 16^th Century castle, with the chance to discover something of the distilling process at a Deeside distillery once visited by Queen Victoria. The itinerary closely follows the famous River Dee firstly en route for Crathes Castle with its superb interior and walled garden and owned by the Burnett family for over 350 years.

Then, after a leisurely lunch in the restaurant, the journey resumes along the Dee towards Balmoral Castle and its close neighbour Royal Lochnagar Distillery. Here visitors will tour the distillery and hear the story of the distilling process used to produce the well-loved Royal Lochnagar. Before leaving, there will be a chance to enjoy a ‘dram' of Scotland's national drink or ‘water of life' as it's often called, before returning to Aberdeen.

"Food Glorious Food" - Dean's of Huntly & Baxter's of Fochabers

Travelling north of Aberdeen, the first stop of this tour is in Huntly at the well-known family company Dean's of Huntly where they make mouth-watering shortbread, one of Scotland's best-known and loved biscuits made with flour, butter and sugar. Here visitors can watch the shortbread being made and, most importantly, taste for themselves.

From Huntly the tour travels further north, this time to the small town of Fochabers, home to Baxter's, known throughout the world for its unique selection of soups and jams. At this fascinating complex, visitors can enjoy an audio-visual presentation, taste some of the famous products, browse in the shops and lunch in the Spey Restaurant.

SAMPLE HALF DAY TOURS courtesy Pam Wells

Dunnottar Castle

Dunnottar Castle - just south of Stonehaven - is a breathtaking spectacle standing on a dramatic rocky peninsula protected on three sides by the sea. This imposing structure appears to breathe history from every nook and cranny and between the C9th and C17th the various fortifications were fought over many times. For three centuries the castle was held by the Keith family who were Grand Marischals of Scotland. Many notable events took place in Dunnottar's past - come and relive some of these as you discover this truly amazing ancient Scottish stronghold. 

The Aberdeen Oil Experience

Travelling by coach, this unique tour will interest those wishing to explore the "Oil Capital of Europe". After an initial visit to Aberdeen's "Five Star" Maritime Museum, to set the scene, the route includes fascinating glimpses of areas directly connected with the offshore oil and gas industries. You will visit the city's Oil Chapel with its unusually designed stained glass window; have excellent views of some of the oil-related shipping in Aberdeen's busy harbour; and explore corners of the city where UK and international offshore companies have set up their headquarters here in the north-east of Scotland.

Ships and Shorelines

Travelling by comfortable luxury coach, this is a chance to make a fascinating journey alongside Aberdeen's silver sands, explore the fishing village of Footdee, enjoy the sights of the city's bustling harbour and relax in the peace of a tranquil stretch of the River Dee. Commentary is given throughout by an award winning "Blue Badge" Scottish Tour Guide.

 Glen Garioch Distillery

Situated in the historic town of Oldmeldrum, this small granite distillery is named after the valley of the Garioch, traditionally one of the best barley growing areas in Scotland. For more than 20 years, Glen Garioch Distillery has been producing a beautiful range of single malt scotch whiskies acclaimed worldwide.

Enjoy a tour here starting in the original cooperage where casks were built and then on through the distillery to discover firsthand the traditional art of distilling. This tour will undoubtedly whet your appetite for a ‘dram' and ‘nosing' session before browsing in the distillery shop where you'll find lots to tempt you.  

Maritime Museum - Aberdeen

Visit Aberdeen's ‘5 Star' Maritime Museum, just yards from the harbour and discover the story of Aberdeen's relationship with the sea, ranging from the days of sail and clipper ships up to the very latest technology currently in use in the oil & gas industry. Maritime paintings and models, a large-scale model of the ‘Murchison' oil platform, touch screen consoles, audio-visual theatre & multi-media computer databases await you.