Annie Cullinane

As the GM of Ardoch Loch Lomond, one of Scotland’s leading exclusive-hire estates for weddings, corporate retreats and private celebrations, I have the privilege of overseeing a truly special destination where people come together to celebrate life’s most important moments.

 

Nestled on the banks of Loch Lomond, Ardoch sits within one of the most beautiful settings in the country. The estate enjoys breathtaking views across the loch to the surrounding mountains - a landscape that changes throughout the day as the light shifts across the water. It’s a magical place, and one that never loses its sense of wonder, even when you see it every day.

 

Ardoch offers guests the rare opportunity to enjoy a 133-acre private estate entirely to themselves, creating a relaxed and personal atmosphere whether they are celebrating a wedding, hosting a corporate retreat or gathering for a special occasion.

 

No two days are ever quite the same, and that’s what I love about my job. Operationally, I work across many aspects of running the estate, from recruitment and HR to managing event enquiries, writing detailed event schedules, liaising with suppliers and caterers, overseeing maintenance and ordering stock. The list really does go on.

 

I particularly enjoy meeting prospective couples planning their weddings, as well as clients organising bespoke corporate retreats and private celebrations. From the first enquiry right through to delivery on the day, our team is involved every step of the way to ensure each event runs seamlessly.

 

Alongside this, there are the financial responsibilities of budgeting, forecasting and the general oversight that comes with running an exclusive-use estate. It’s a varied role, but that variety is exactly what makes hospitality so rewarding. Every day brings new people, new challenges and new opportunities to create something memorable.

A Career in Hospitality

My journey into hospitality began when I was just 17. I visited London and immediately knew I wanted to live and work there. I started my career as a Conference and Banqueting Secretary at a 328-bedroom hotel and, by the time I was 18, I was managing weddings for up to 400 guests at the Hotel Russell in Russell Square, now the Kimpton Fitzroy.

 

From that moment on, hospitality captured my heart. The industry eventually brought me back to Scotland and, in 2008, I moved into management, spending ten years running another exclusive-use estate in Ayrshire, Blair Estate. Hospitality has been part of my entire adult life, and I still feel just as passionate about it today as when I first started.

 

Like many people in this industry, I’ve been fortunate to learn from some wonderful mentors along the way.

 

My first boss in London, Enda, was a young Irish manager whose enthusiasm for hospitality was infectious. He showed me just how rewarding the industry could be and really inspired my love for it.

 

Later, during my time with Macdonald Hotels between 1995 and 2003, I worked with two directors, Iain and Beverly, who helped shape my leadership style and approach to the business.

 

No matter where you are in your career, it’s important to keep learning, and today I’m fortunate to work closely with CHAS’ Income, Generation and Engagement Director, Iain, who is quite possibly the best mentor and boss I’ve ever had.

 

Finding the Right Home at Ardoch

 

Having previously managed an exclusive-use venue, I knew that environment suited me perfectly. When the opportunity at Ardoch Loch Lomond came along, it felt like the ideal next step.

 

Ardoch really is an incredibly special place, you feel it as soon as you drive onto the estate. Not only is it set within one of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes, but it also operates with our ethos and clear set of values of:

Amazing

Renowned

Determined

Obliging

Charity

Humble

 

These values guide everything that we do. Most importantly, Ardoch is part of Children's Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), meaning the estate operates as a profit-with-purpose venue, helping to support the charity’s incredible work caring for children with life-shortening conditions and their families. Being part of that mission makes the work we do here incredibly meaningful and, at times, humbling.

 

Building a Strong Team

 

Hospitality is always a team effort, and I’m incredibly proud of the team we’ve built here.

We’re a small but hardworking group who genuinely support one another. When new members join us, they’re welcomed with open arms because everyone plays an important role in what we deliver.

 

One thing I’m very clear about as a leader is that I’m not interested in blame culture. If something goes wrong, we fix it, we learn from it and we move forward. Trust and communication are key in hospitality, and I believe we’ve found the right balance here at Ardoch.

 

We’re also deeply protective of the work we do, particularly our role in supporting CHAS and the families they care for.

What truly makes Ardoch special is the combination of the setting, the service and the way we host our guests. Whether guests join us for a wedding, corporate retreat or private celebration, our aim is always the same, to make them feel completely at home from the moment they arrive until the moment they leave.

 

We ensure that every guest has a wonderful time with us and we’re always on hand to help. The best way to describe our service is attentive yet unobtrusive, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the estate while leaving with lasting memories of their time here. They always seem to remember our lovely senior duty manager Linda too, which is no bad thing!

 

One of the unique aspects of Ardoch is that, unlike many hotels, I’m involved from the very first enquiry right through to the guest’s departure. By the time guests arrive, we’ve already built a relationship with them, which helps create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

 

I’m incredibly proud of the feedback we receive from our guests. Our reviews online are always humbling for the whole team and never something we take for granted. They reflect just how much everyone here genuinely cares about creating the best possible experience.

 

What Hospitality Means to Me

 

For me, great hospitality simply comes down to looking after people.

 

It’s about ensuring every guest has the best possible experience while they’re with us and that they leave with positive memories of their time here. That’s ultimately why we choose to work in hospitality, because we enjoy creating moments that people remember.

 

Looking to the future, my aim is to continue establishing Ardoch Loch Lomond as one of Scotland’s leading destination venues, not only within Loch Lomond but across the country.

At the same time, it’s vital that we continue raising awareness that Ardoch operates as a venue with purpose, helping to support the incredible work of CHAS.

 

If we can continue to grow Ardoch Loch Lomond’s reputation while contributing to such an important cause, then we know we’re doing something truly worthwhile. Whether guests join us for a wedding, retreat or special celebration, my hope is that everyone who arrives at Ardoch leaves with lasting memories of their time here.