All eyes on events

Supporting the sector

Successful major events such as the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and the Genesis Scottish Open rely on detailed planning, excellent organisation, and a strong event team.

As part of our wider support for Scotland’s events sector, we are working with event organisers nationwide to deliver a series of in-person event industry observer tours. Each gives a small group of experienced event professionals a behind-the-scenes look at a selected event and how it is delivered.

Participants can speak directly with organisers, share experiences and good practice, and explore new ideas and innovations.

Spectators at the Genesis Scottish Open

Behind the scenes at the Genesis Scottish Open

Last month, we welcomed 14 industry representatives to the Genesis Scottish Open at the Renaissance Club in North Berwick.

The group went behind the scenes to:

see the event in action
learn how the team had implemented good practice and innovation
hear about the challenges that had been tackled
exchange ideas with industry peers

The day began with a VisitScotland welcome and event introduction, including pointers on what to look out for. James Clark, Partnership Management Executive at the DP World Tour, then led a site walkaround.

The group learned about the event’s sustainability work, including hydrogen generators, and gained access to the broadcast trucks for a closer look at how the event is broadcast.

Members of the event observer tour at the Genesis Scottish Open Event observer tour attendees at the Genesis Scottish Open

They also heard from Rory Colville, Head of Championships, and Maria Grandinetti-Milton, Director of Sustainability, at the DP World Tour.

Attendees included local authority event officers, organisers of events we have previously funded, and members of Scotland’s Events Industry Advisory Group.

"The events industry observer tours have provided a fantastic opportunity to gain a unique, behind-the-scenes perspective on event operations

"This offered valuable insight into pioneering event planning processes, innovative infrastructure, and the practical delivery of large-scale events.

"Beyond the operational learning, the tours also provide an excellent opportunity to engage with fellow event professionals, exchange knowledge and experiences, build new connections, and learn from industry peers.

"These experiences are invaluable in sharing best practice, inspiring new ideas, and strengthening collaboration across the events industry."

Cameron Balfour, Director of Outsider Events, who attended the Genesis Scottish Open observer tour

Glasgow 2026 tour

We recently worked with Glasgow 2026 and Glasgow Life to welcome 40 industry representatives to a Commonwealth Games events industry observer tour.

The group heard from Selina Donald, Sustainability Lead for Glasgow 2026, about how sustainability is embedded throughout the event.

This includes building measurement into governance, procurement, venue operations, workforce planning, and reporting from the planning stage through to delivery.

Attendees at the live event experience on the Commonwealth Games observer tour watched netball in the Hydro Attendees at the Commonwealth Games observer tour

Event organisers also explained the local and international significance of Glasgow 2026.

They covered community engagement, international collaboration, strategic partnerships, the work of the Commonwealth Sport Foundation, and the event’s wider social, environmental and economic impact.

Attendees also heard how Glasgow 2026 had been reimagined as a more flexible and affordable event.

The new model uses existing venues, a compact footprint and partnership-led delivery, supported by shared governance, innovation, technology, and a strong brand narrative.

Attendees at the live event experience on the Commonwealth Games observer tour watched netball in the Hydro Attendees at the Commonwealth Games event observer tour watched netball at the SEC

"The events industry observer tours have provided an excellent opportunity to learn directly from event organisers and gain valuable insight into the planning and delivery of major events.

"The knowledge shared, professional connections made, and examples of best practice have helped inform and enhance our own event delivery, making the tours a highly worthwhile and beneficial experience to assist in the forward planning for future events in Falkirk."

Lynsey Gow, Senior Events Officer at Falkirk Council, who attended the recent Commonwealth Games observer tour

A further observer tour will take place at the Scone Palace International Horse Trials later this month.

Scotland’s National Events Strategy, Scotland The Perfect Stage 2024-2035, recognises the sector’s need for collaboration and relevant, continuous learning and development opportunities.

Find out more about Scotland The Perfect Stage 2024-2035.

Find out here how we can help support your tourism or events business

"Introduced in 2024, our hosted events industry observer tours provide a valuable opportunity to promote collaboration and facilitate the sharing of best practice, innovation and expertise across Scotland’s events sector.

"Each tour brings together a small group of event professionals for a behind-the-scenes look at a selected event.

"Hosted by the event organiser, the tours showcase key aspects of event delivery aligned with the priorities of Scotland’s National Events Strategy.

"These include accessibility, environmental sustainability, community impact, technological innovation, broadcasting and workforce development.

"The initiative has been well received by the sector, with participants reporting that the insights gained have helped to inform and enhance their own event planning and delivery.

"Most recently, observer tours at the Genesis Scottish Open and the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games provided valuable opportunities for peer learning and knowledge exchange.

Torquil Macleod, VisitScotland's Senior Manager for Industry Engagement and Development