Conference in East Lothian
19 April 
 
20.30 Party arrives Edinburgh Airport to be met by fully qualified English speaking guide and accompanied to their executive coach. 
 
Transfer into the East Lothian countryside - an area famed for its ruined castles, picturesque villages and dramatic coastline - and check into Johnstounburn House. 
 
Situated in a 300 acre estate in total tranquillity, Johnstounburn is a 17th century country house with converted coachhouse offers a high degree of comfort in traditional elegant surroundings, fine food and drink and excellent service. Like all self-respectiong Scottish castles and country homes, Johnstounburn also reputedly has its own ghost! 
 
Dinner in the hotel 
 
20 April 
 
After a delicious full Scottish breakfast set off from Johnstounburn : 
 
From the hotel drive further along the coast to Tantallon Castle for a guided walking tour. This impressive landmark which dates back to the 14th century is a massive red sandstone ruin dramatically perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the North Sea and the Bass Rock which houses the largest colony of gannets in the world ! Visit this magnificent castle, once home of the Douglases, scene of battles and intrigue. 
 
Lunch at a traditional pub with an old world atmosphere where guests can sample real ales brewed in the traditional manner 
 
This afternoon visit Glenkinchie Distillery. Tucked away amidst the rolling hills of East Lothian this little Scottish gem has been located here since the early 19th century and produces one of the great malt whiskies. Guests will learn about the production of our national drink during their tour of this traditional plant. They can also visit the maltings floor which now houses the greatest collection of artefacts related to whisky production and sample some of the fine malts produced by the distillery. 
 
Transfer this evening into the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town for dinner in Merchant’s Restaurant. Situated off Candlemakers’ Row, close to Greyfriar’s Cemetery, Merchant’s is well known for its warm, atmosphere, friendly service and excellent cuisine which features the very best of local produce. 
 
After dinner, step back in time with Adam Lyal (deceased) who will collect the party and lead them on foot to explore the High Street for a guided tour with a difference for anyone interested in the darker and more unusual side of Edinburgh’s history. 
 
Mr Lyal was a highwaymen, executed for his crimes on 27 March 1811. Hear his terrible tales! Visit the scenes of weird and supernatural happenings and MEET the colourful characters from Edinburgh’s past! 
 
This is a unique tour of Edinburgh’s ghosts and gore which Mr Lyal is sure you will enjoy.  
 
Late evening return to Johnstouburne for overnight 
 
 
Day 3 
 
After breakfast the party will be met by their instructors for the day who will take them in 4 x 4 vehicles for a safari - a wonderful oppoprtunity for guests to experience a trek into the heather clad Lammermuir Hills.  
Once off the public roads participants will all have a chance to drive as well as enjoy stunning views across the lowlands to Fife and also see an abundance of wildlife in its natural habitat. A unique opportunity to enjoy a pert of Scotland the most visitors never get to see. The trek will eventually drop back down into the lanes of East Lothian. 
 
We can also incorporate a series of tasks/scavenger type treasure hunt into the safari so the clans or teams in each off road vehicle compete against one another.  
 
Guests return to Mavishall farm steading (situated right next to the Johnstounburn estate) where they will be served a delicious 2 x course barbecue lunch. 
 
After lunch the party is piped to the park where they will compete in clans or teams in their own exclusive highland games concluding with a giant tug o’ war.  
 
On returning to Johnstounburn guests find a surprise awaiting them in their rooms - full Highland kilt outfits for the gentlemen and sashes with brooches for the ladies. Discovering how to wear these outfits will costitute the final task for the gentlemen guests. 
 
This evening a brief transfer takes the group to Prestonhall, one of the finest Georgian houses in the south of Scotland. It was built by Robert Mitchell in 1791 for Alexander Callander who had recently returned from India where he made his fortune as a trader in the East India Company. The house was suitably comfortable and well appointed for a man of his position and it remains to this day the family home of the Callanders. Prestonhall is renowned for its fine, beautiful interiors. Much of the furniture dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries and provides a superb setting for receptions and dinners. 
 
Greeted on arrival by a kilted piper, guests are given a warm welcome by the charming proprietor, Major Callander, who will offer them drinks and conduct them on an informal tour of the house. Then dinner, featuring the very best of Scottish produce in the candlelit dining room. 
 
The evening can be further enhanced with entertainment : 

• a display of highland dancing
 

• background music from a clarsach player (the clarsach is a traditional Scottish harp)