A new events experience bringing together one of Glasgow’s most distinctive landmarks with Scottish food, whisky and live entertainment has launched on the banks of the Clyde.
The Tall Ship Glenlee has teamed up with Merchant City restaurant Mharsanta to offer corporate events, private celebrations, gala dinners and VIP experiences aboard the historic vessel.
The partnership also involves The Clydeside Distillery and Little’s Chauffeur Drive, creating packages which can combine luxury transport, Scottish food and drink, whisky tastings and entertainment.
The new venture was unveiled at an event aboard the Glenlee, where guests were welcomed by a piper before an evening featuring live Scottish music, a ceilidh and whisky experiences.
Organisers hope the collaboration will attract companies, conference organisers and visitors looking for a more distinctive Scottish setting for events in Glasgow.
The Glenlee is celebrating its 130th anniversary this year and is one of only four surviving Clyde-built sailing ships of its type still afloat.
Built in Glasgow in 1896, the ship circumnavigated the globe several times during its working life before eventually returning to the city.
It is now permanently berthed beside the Riverside Museum and operates as a visitor attraction and events venue.
Lauren Macrae, Head of Visitor Experience & Events at The Tall Ship Glenlee, said: “The Tall Ship Glenlee provides a unique and memorable setting for events, and this collaboration demonstrates how we can combine that distinctive backdrop with exceptional Scottish food, drink, entertainment and hospitality.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming event professionals aboard and giving them a first-hand taste of the kind of experiences we can create together for their clients and guests.”
Mharsanta, on Bell Street in the Merchant City, specialises in Scottish food and drink and is part of Lomond Leisure Group.
Sophie Mallon, Chief Marketing Officer at Lomond Leisure Group, said the partnership was designed to bring several Glasgow businesses together to create a single visitor experience.
She said: “By bringing together outstanding local partners including The Tall Ship Glenlee, Little’s Chauffeur Drive, The Clydeside Distillery and Mharsanta, alongside talented musicians, event specialists, videographers, hotel partners and drinks suppliers, we have created something truly unique that celebrates the city’s rich heritage, culture and hospitality.
“The project demonstrates the power of local businesses working together towards a shared vision, and we hope it will become a great new experience for visitors while making a valuable contribution to Glasgow’s growing tourism industry.”
The Clydeside Distillery, a short distance along the river, will provide whisky experiences as part of the new offering.
Little’s Chauffeur Drive, which was founded in 1966 and operates a fleet of more than 40 vehicles, will provide transport for guests attending selected events.
Harjeet Kaur, Head of Sales and Marketing at Little’s, said: “By bringing together luxury transport, exceptional hospitality and unique experiences, we are helping to strengthen Glasgow’s appeal within the travel trade and events sectors.”
The partners will now promote the experience to event organisers, businesses and tourism operators in Scotland and further afield.