The last Elite Ayrshire Business Circle meeting of 2017 was the organisation’s Annual Luncheon, which took place at Culzean Castle, at the kind invitation of Stuart Maxwell, General Manager of National Trust for Scotland (Ayrshire & Arran).
Members and their guests gathered for pre-lunch drinks in the Round Drawing Room, which afforded an opportunity to inspect the adjacent Castle Armoury, then proceeded up the Robert Adam staircase for luncheon at the original table in the State Dining Room.
Lunch consisted of chef’s soup of the day which was cauliflower and truffle with fresh bread followed by roast breast of free range chicken, fondant potato, roast carrot and chicken jus and finished off with tea, coffee and tablet.
All in attendance commented on how much they enjoyed their meals including South Ayrshire Provost Helen Moonie who had a vegetarian tomato and mozzarella gnocchi.
Following lunch, Stuart Maxwell addressed the meeting and gave a short speech about the progress and changes at Culzean since he took up his present post of General Manager. Stuart commented: “It was great to meet local businessmen and women and discuss how we could work together to enhance Ayrshire. Richard (our Executive Chef) did a fantastic job with the lunch, and I received several positive comments on the food and the staff.”
Bill Rogers then conducted a speech on the history of Culzean before offering a private tour of the castle, this was well received with around ¾ of those in attendance joining the tour. Bill commented: “I thought it was an excellent opportunity to discuss different business approaches, received many pertinent questions on my tour, and lastly the tablet was delicious!”
Kevin Hand of KA Homesales commented: “I enjoyed the meal, the surroundings and the company. It was a very pleasant and informative day.
South Ayrshire Councillor Margaret Toner added: “We had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many old and new friends and getting up to date with all the chat.”
Norman Geddes is executive chairman of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle and managing partner of Frazer Coogans Commercial Solicitors. He concluded: “Members and guests enjoyed a delicious lunch in the magnificent surroundings of the State Dining Room of Culzean Castle.
“The management and staff very ably demonstrated the opportunity which exists for businesses to make use of the Castle’s marvellous facilities for corporate and other events.”
