Gleneagles

Times change, but there is still only one Gleneagles. In 1924, when the Five Red Star resort opened, guests arrived by ocean liner and steam train. Now, there are direct flights to Scotland from European and North American cities and inter-continental hub airports. In 1924, Gleneagles was described as 'a Riviera in the Highlands' and 'the eighth wonder of the world'.

Today, Gleneagles is still regarded as the world's most desirable resort hotel. The resort is a home away-from-home for royalty, movie stars and sporting legends. It is a haven where families can spend quality time, and it is a retreat where senior executives can mix business with pleasure. Today – and for the future – there is only one Gleneagles.

Background Information

• Gleneagles, the 'Palace in the Glens', lies at the foot of the Scottish Highlands but is only a one hour motorway drive from the international airports at Edinburgh and Glasgow. Guests can choose to enjoy the freedom of one of the least-crowded countries in western Europe or the cultural attractions of two of the continent's great historic cities.
• Edinburgh and Glasgow airports are served by major national and international airlines linking directly with flights from North and South America, other European cities, Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand
• Gleneagles has an adjoining railway station, with express train links to Edinburgh and Glasgow, and daytime and overnight sleeper services to London. The development of rail service through the Channel Tunnel makes Gleneagles an overnight sleeper journey from Paris or Brussels.
• Motorways which bypass Gleneagles link with the European International road network
• Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city, holds the Honours of Scotland, the oldest Crown Jewels in Europe, as well as the historic Stone of Destiny, on display in the great fortress of Edinburgh Castle
• The city is one of Europe's great cultural centres, with art galleries, museums and theatres, including the Festival Theatre which has become a centre for the performing arts in Scotland
• The city also hosts the world renowned Edinburgh International Festival, Britain's largest celebration of music and dance
• Glasgow is one of Europe's great merchant cities and is also home to The Scottish Ballet, Scottish Opera and art collections, including The Burrell Collection
• Short road journeys from Gleneagles open up Scotland's scenic splendours and the nation's national and natural heritage
• The grandeur of the Grampian Mountains and the wilderness areas of the Cairngorms; and peaceful Lake of Menteith and Inchmahome Priory, near Aberfoyle, where the infant Mary, Queen of Scots was sent for refuge
• Great castles and stately homes such as Blair Castle, ancestral seat of the Dukes of Atholl, Chief of the Clan Murray and the only British subject allowed to maintain a private army, the Atholl Highlanders; and Scone Palace, site of the ancient crowning place of Scottish kings and now home to the Earls of Mansfield
• Gardens which benefit from the temperate climate brought by the Gulf Stream, including the Bell's national heather collection, at Perth; and Scotland's largest formal gardens at Drummond Castle, Crieff
• National Trust for Scotland's centre at Bannockburn, near Stirling, where the 'Forging of a Nation' exhibition described events leading up to the most significant victory in Scottish history