Meeting planners seeking a destination for conferences, meetings and events in the Scottish Borders region will find that Duns retains the air of an old Scottish burgh.
With commanding views of the spectacular landscape which offers endless opportunities for outdoor teambuilding events and corporate activities, the town still fondly commemorates daring local farmer and late world champion racing driver Jim Clark. The area is also renowned for its impressive castles and stately homes, many of which offer stunning conference and banqueting facilities, adding a touch of grandeur to any corporate event or wedding.
Duns is easy to reach being in proximity to both the A1 and A68 routes, via rail links at nearby Berwick, and via flights into Edinburgh or Newcastle airports for international conference delegates.
Civic venues include Lauder Public Hall, which offers flexible meeting spaces for up to 171 delegates, and Volunteer Hall, which provides a good size hall suitable for larger conferences and events able to accommodate up to 360 delegates alongside a meeting room for smaller delegates groups. Duns, however, is the ideal conference destination for those seeking to enjoy a taste of the past as historic venues here are truly captivating. For instance, Duns Castle is a magical wedding and events venue offering an outstanding location and elegant meeting rooms for small delegate groups whilst large corporate and teambuilding events are catered for in luxury marquees set within the grounds. Alternatively, Wedderburn Castle offers immaculate grounds for teambuilding events whilst the castle offers 6 conference spaces ideal for meetings, training events and business retreats. Thirlestane Castle originally dates back to the 13th Century and once again provides an enchanting historic setting for weddings and stylish corporate events whilst Manderston House , featured in Channel 4’s ‘Edwardian Country House’, is the epitome of Edwardian opulence. Set in 56 acres, Manderston provides an exquisite venue for teambuilding events such as clay pigeon shooting, corporate hospitality, conferences and weddings. Duns hotels include Churches Hotel, Restaurant and Bar , ideal for small corporate retreats and meetings, the Lauderdale Hotel which has capacity for up to 120 delegates, and The Lindisfarne Inn which provides conference and meeting rooms in a traditional, welcoming coaching inn.