100 Years of The Glorious Playground

2024 marks a significant milestone for The Gleneagles Hotel as they celebrate their 100th year of hospitality, glamour, and adventure.

The magnificent countryside estate in the heart of Scotland – described as a “Riviera in the Highlands” and the media hailed it “the eighth wonder of the world” – opened its doors on the 7th June 1924. Cocktails poured from taps; lively dancing in our ballroom was broadcast across the nation on BBC radio; glamorous guests raced each other by land, air and sea to get here first; and princes, playwrights and poets spent entire summers on our croquet lawn in a haze of Champagne.

In its landmark 100th year, Gleneagles is celebrating a century of the Glorious Playground by reflecting on its rich history that spans high-times and wartimes, as well as excitedly contemplating the dawn of a new century alongside its inaugural city home at Gleneagles Townhouse. Going into 2024 as a multi-award-winning estate, Gleneagles continues to beat with a warm heart, a welcoming place where people and guests feel they truly belong.

Paying tribute to their big birthday with some thematically Centenary events and activities, from a bespoke Afternoon Tea to a gruelling 100km addition to our annual Great Adventure Race and a glamorous Centenary Ball. Commemorative keepsakes including a beautiful coffee table book titled ‘Stories from the Glorious Playground’ will be available from our Retail Arcade, as well as an exclusive collaboration with Barbour.

A CENTURY OF TEATIME TRADITION

To pay homage to 100 years of gastronomic delights, Gleneagles’ new Centenary Afternoon Tea menu takes guests on a journey through a century of iconic culinary history! Hosted in the Glendevon lounge, relish sweet and savoury treats inspired by the Roaring Twenties, indulge in recipes drawn from our renowned 1989 ‘Taste of Gleneagles’ cookbook and try the late Queen’s favourite Scottish dishes enjoyed during her visits to the Glen. Delicacies include a classic Gleneagles terrine with caviar, smoked lobster sandwich – inspired by Restaurant Andrew Fairlie’s signature dish – and the talented Pastry team’s chocolate marshmallow and biscuit cake, all accompanied by specially selected teas from the Rare Tea Company.

ADVENTURE RACE CENTENARY CHALLENGE

Renowned as a destination for sporting excellence, Gleneagles wanted to create a fitting event that would honour this century-long reputation. Where sporting grit meets breathtaking scenery and luxury hospitality, The Great Adventure Race is a thrilling celebration of spring and the great outdoors. The race comes in two offerings: the Classic 55km route or the Centenary Challenge, a 100km route in celebration of 100 years. The Centenary Challenge is an individual race with an 8km canoe across a loch, 22km trail run over two of the most stunning summits in Perthshire and a 70km cycle through the local country roads, before celebrating back at the hotel with a glamorous dinner and prize giving ceremony.

STORIES FROM THE GLORIOUS PLAYGROUND

Sit back and enjoy the compelling, nostalgic tales that comprise ‘Gleneagles: Stories from the Glorious Playground’ limited edition commemorative coffee table book. Written by James Collard with a foreword by HRH The Princess Royal and featuring contributions from Justine Picardie and Tom English, this exquisite volume features archival photographs, bespoke illustrations and brand-new photography, capturing Gleneagles’ 100-year celebration. Charting the illustrious social history of the hotel from the Roaring Twenties through to today, the spirit of glamourous gatherings lives on across the estate. The book is a Gleneagles memoir that illustrates how the romance behind its famed front doors endures – as well as casting an exciting glance towards the future.

GLENEAGLES X BARBOUR COLLABORATION

With a parallel reputation for celebrating outdoor pursuits in style, Barbour x Gleneagles makes for a poetic partnership. Commemorating a century of chic outdoor adventures, the new Gleneagles x Barbour Centenary wax jacket is a piece that celebrates not only 100 years of Gleneagles but the union of two iconic British brands, both synonymous with the great outdoors. Created with Barbour’s unparalleled manufacturing quality, the commemorative, limited-edition, unisex jacket forms the classic silhouette of their Bedale wax design, featuring a unique ruby corduroy collar, chunky two-way zip and exclusive Gleneagles Centenary embroidery.

ONE HUNDRED-YEAR BALL

When Gleneagles opened its doors in 1924, guests flocked to marvel at the breathtaking Ballroom that would go on to host some of the most glamorous global events in the decades that followed. The inimitable 1920s opulence of the ballroom, much like Gleneagles, has stood the test of time, and it’s only right that a ball with as much roaring glamour should be thrown to honour this exciting history in the estate’s 100th year. Taking place on Saturday 7th September to mark the end of Summer, the One Hundred Year Ball promises to be a glorious and glamorous affair. This is one to don your finery and enjoy a dazzling evening, complete with a lavish gala dinner, alongside sensational live music and entertainment.

SUMMER BALLET CELEBRATION

A glamourous centenary celebration of dance takes place on the 15th and 16th June with an afternoon of ballet by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Step into the Belle Epoque-style glamour of The Strathearn – a summery and light-filled fine dining restaurant, with more than a touch of theatrical magic! Starting the occasion with a glass of Champagne on arrival, sit back and enjoy an exquisite performance celebrating floral moments from some of the world’s best-loved ballets performed by dancers from the world-leading Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Delightfully special celebrations not to be missed… Here’s to the next Century of Gleneagles! Our Glorious Playground.