Edinburgh’s Royal Highland Centre (RHC), which hosts 200 events a year, has started a fresh series of improvements as part of a three-year investment programme worth £4.2m.
Infrastructure including drainage, roads and parking are all being upgraded.
RHC Director Archie Glendinning said the 160-acre venue managed to retain all business this year despite the horrendous weather conditions, but wanted to ensure next year’s outdoor season was equally successful.
“We are proud that none of our customer’s events became casualties of the summer’s weather. We are not complacent, though, and feel that additional investment in infrastructure will give us and our clients the confidence that we can deliver, whatever the weather,” he said.
The latest improvements come after the venue spent more than £1m on its 4,200sqm Lowland Hall, and made advancements to its Wi-Fi systems.
“Shoring up our internal and external space allows us to provide a more flexible offering to event organisers,” Glendinning added.
The Royal Highland Centre received approval for the first phase of a £30m redevelopment of the site in April. The masterplan includes a new 290m boulevard entrance, hotel, agri-business hub, and conference and leisure facilities.
The RHC has also shortlisted a panel of catering suppliers in a new move to fly the flag for local produce.
Among those on the supplier list are Saltire Catering, Heritage Portfolio, Prestige Scotland and Grooms of Glasgow. The RHC claims to be the largest venue in the UK to offer such a comprehensive catering panel.
Glendinning said: “The object of the exercise has been to offer a greater choice to the event organiser while adopting established industry practices. All the companies selected have been carefully vetted to ensure that the service will be one we are proud to present.”
Glendinning added that the RHC takes very seriously the role it plays in flying the flag for Scottish produce. “We are delighted that we can deliver the highest possible quality, at a fair price and using local suppliers. The project, which was spearheaded by Scottish Enterprise, has been extremely valuable and we are already reaping the benefits.”
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