The Neuroscience PhD Students Enjoyed Their Training Retreat, then Unwound with a Christmas Dinner and Ceilidh
The Department of Neurosciences at the University of Edinburgh has just held a very successful training retreat, followed by a Christmas dinner and topped off with a ceilidh at Winton Castle.
Winton has hosted a lot of off-site strategy sessions with meetings or small conferences and activities for company awaydays and parties during 2025. The castle is an inspiring venue for creative thinking and visitors can choose from many different light-hearted activities, from clay shooting and mini Highland Games to yoga retreats and whisky tasting,
Dr Marja Main, Scientific Strategy Coordinator from the department of Neurosciences at Edinburgh University, who planned their awayday, says:
“The Translational Neuroscience PhD Programme (University of Edinburgh) has held an annual training event and retreat at Winton Castle since 2021 and the students say it’s one of the highlights of the year.
“We have previously held a separate Christmas party on University premises. This year we had greater flexibility over the timing of our events and decided to combine our Winton retreat with a Christmas party – because what could be more delightful than celebrating Christmas at this stunning venue?!”
Choosing Winton Castle for our Company Retreat 'Turned Out to Be a Marvellous Idea...!'
Dr Marja Main continues: “Choosing Winton Castle for our company retreat turned out to be a marvellous idea (if we say so ourselves!) and we had a blast. The castle was richly decorated for the season (with an especially impressive Christmas tree!) and the festive menu was to die for.
“Our event this year brought 22 University of Edinburgh research staff and PhD students to Winton for an afternoon of academic workshops followed by a sumptuous Christmas dinner, and a secret Santa game, all topped off with a lively Scottish ceilidh.
“We were attentively looked after throughout, from delicious cakes during the coffee break to AV support on hand, complimentary mulled wine as we unwound from the academic sessions ahead of dinner and ample hydration during the ceilidh (much needed!).
“The staff went above and beyond in every respect; for instance, phoning our coach company to give directions for the return coach when they had initially dropped us off at the wrong gate, and adding a candle to the dessert of one guest who was celebrating her birthday that day.
“As we piled on to our coach back to the city centre, the students and staff were all buzzing and full of praise for the day. Several sent notes of thanks the following day too and shared how special it felt to enjoy our Christmas event in such lush surroundings and be so well cared for. We can’t wait to be back for next year!”
Winton Castle is a fantastic venue for hosting unforgettable corporate events. They’re holding an increasing number of corporate away days, company parties and fun days for employees, families and clients.
Perhaps it’s time to reward and motivate your team with a special company party in the inspiring surroundings of Winton Castle, just half an hour from the centre of Edinburgh.
Contact the team today for more information.
