It is no secret that I love Scotland and when I was given the opportunity to join WestJet on their inaugural flight from Halifax, Nova Scotia to Glasgow, Scotland I was ecstatic.
Here in Atlantic Canada we get excited about direct flights across the pond to Europe. Last fall WestJet announced daily non-stop service from Halifax to Glasgow for the 2015 summer season from May 29th to Oct. 23rd. Some great fares are still available for this season with easy connections from Toronto and westward.
It was an incredible experience to be part of the inaugural flight from Halifax to Glasgow on May 29th. WestJet and Halifax Stanfield International Airport really knocked it out of the park with festivities leading up to departure.
WestJet had their own tartan designed to celebrate the flights to Scotland this season. The tail of the plane has been wrapped with the tartan. For you twitter followers check out #TartanTail.
The flight was full of many guests of WestJet, including the Premier of Nova Scotia, Stephen MacNeil along with a delegation from Nova Scotia to promote our province. WestJet also had invited many of their frequent reward travellers. The CEO of WestJet, Gregg Saretsky, was onboard mingling with all the guests and helping the flight crew. The excitement leading up to boarding and on the plane was contagious, and the quickest flight I’ve ever taken over the Atlantic. On our descent to Glasgow, the pilot gave us an extra little show of Scotland and it was absolutely amazing. Beautiful sunny sky, the highlands on the horizon, and the landscape, words cannot describe the beauty of Scotland.
For the much-anticipated arrival in Glasgow we were treated to a bagpiper and Highland Dancers greeting us at the arrival terminal, this Pictou County girl felt right at home!
Glasgow City’s brand ‘People Make Glasgow’ was 1st promoted during the 2014 Commonwealth games, which they hosted. It’s great slogan for this traditionally industrial city, now with so much to offer but the people do make the city, their spirit is charming.
Glasgow hits the mark with free admission to most museums in the city. Children of all ages are welcome to explore.
A few Glasgow highlights include Riverside Museum, KelvinGrove Art Museum and Charles Renny MacKintosh architectural buildings.
A cocktail reception at Glasgow City Hall was hosted by Glasgow City, VisitScotland, Tourism Nova Scotia and of course the star of the show, WestJet.
Nova Scotia’s own Bruce Guthro was flown over to play a few tunes. He is quite well-known in Scotland and actually plays for Scottish band Runrig. He had a new song to promote and also played one of my favourites, the Purple Heather.
For the evening reception Nova Scotia offered lobster rolls, rum and NS blueberries mixed with champagne, the Scottish supplied local haggis, fudge and of course whiskey; enjoyed by all!!
Glasgow City was a buzz Saturday evening with this event at City Hall. A short walking distance away are many shops and night life. Many similarities to Halifax with all the pubs and the city bar scene in the city centre.
On Sunday, a short trip from Glasgow to Cameron House on Loch Lomond and Glengoyne Distillery was enjoyed media and travel trade representatives.
An ideal setting for corporate events, weddings, or just a weekend getaway from the city. A quick transfer from Glasgow airport takes aprox 20 minutes. Cameron House is more like a resort, with rooms in the main lodge and 3-4 bedroom cabins around the property. A Canadian designed 18 hole golf course on site. Boat or sea plane available to tour the loch.
If you’ve ever thought of making a trip to Scotland and the UK there has never been a better time. Go explore your ancestral roots, play on an award winning golf course, visit the Highlands and Islands around Scotland, follow the Whiskey trail or for the more adventurist try one of their many hiking trails. The city of Glasgow and Scotland are excited and ready to welcome you with open arms.
http://www.visitscotland.com/en-ca/
#WestJetGlasgow
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