The Dunstane House Hotel:

Scotch whisky dining and whisky breaks

Generating profit from Scotch whisky is not only about ensuring you stock the right range and employ knowledgeable staff. There are many innovative ways where tourists’ expectations of experiencing Scotch whisky in Scotland can be met. The four–star Dunstane House Hotel in Edinburgh is a business which has readily tapped into this opportunity.

Working in partnership with the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre, on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, the hotel team has developed a ‘Whisky tasting break’. The two-day package offers guests the opportunity to stay at the hotel and appreciate a dram from the large selection of Scotch whiskies stocked in the Stane whisky bar, as well as enjoying a three course meal at the hotel’s Skerries restaurant. In addition, guests are transported up to the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre for a tour through the history of Scotch whisky. This inclusive package sells at £175 per person.

The hotel itself has strong links with Orkney which are expressed in many of the physical features of the business. In fact, the Skerries restaurant is well-known for its fresh Orkney dishes - its menu being described as “Distinct Cuisine with an Orkney Accent”. Building on these Orcadian roots, the hotel team linked up with an Orkney Island distillery, Highland Park, to offer a whisky dinner themed around the Island. Working with the Brand Ambassador from Highland Park, they developed the perfect Orkney food accompaniments for each expression of the malt. During the meal diners were able to enjoy fine Island food and drams of the 12,15,18, 25 and 30 years old Highland Park.

The first of these dinners was held in April 2006 and cost £49.95 per person.

The team at the Dunstane House clearly possesses a flair for innovation and understands how to use it appropriately. There are more methods of making a profit from Scotch whisky than just serving it at a bar.

The Dunstane House Hotel 4 West Coates Edinburgh EH12 5JQ Tel: 0131 337 6169 web: www.dunstane-hotel-edinburgh.co.uk

ScotlandWhisky is lead by Chris Conway, who is based at the Scotch Whisky Experience, Royal Mile, Edinburgh. Chris can be contacted on tel: 0131 478 7120 or by email: c.conway@whisky-heritage.co.uk