Carnegie Club Blog
Posted: 1 January 2021
A new year always brings hope and expectation - Rainer Maria Rilke described it as "new, untouched, full of things that have never been" - and perhaps no year in living memory has been ushered in with as much anticipation as 2021.
As always, the club have a spectacular roster of events planned for members throughout the coming year, from family-friendly Bank Holiday weekends to golf tournaments to festive winter getaways. But no matter when members visit, a stay at Skibo offers them the chance to relax amidst the baronial grandeur of the castle and the breath-taking beauty of the 8,000-acre Highland estate, to tuck into world-class cuisine and to enjoy a plethora of activities from horse riding to spa treatments to golf on the championship Carnegie Links.
Read on to discover the fantastic array of special events that members of The Carnegie Club can enjoy in 2021.
All events in the Club Calendar are subject to prevailing government regulations.
Join us for our Opening Weekend and discover the beauty of Skibo in January – start the day with an energising morning walk across the frosty estate and end it with a hot chocolate or a dram of Skibo's signature malt in front of a roaring fire. On Saturday we will enjoy an early Burns Night celebration so expect haggis, tartan and bagpipes!
Easter at Skibo is always special and one of the most popular weekends at the club for families. Children can expect a fun-filled programme of activities organised by our expert team at the Barn, plus there will be all the usual Skibo fun as well as hot cross buns, simnel cake and plenty of chocolate!
A mini version of our perennially popular Pro-Am, this is fast becoming a favourite event for the club's golfers as members are paired with a golf pro for three days of friendly competition on the Carnegie Links including a Texas Scramble and One Club Challenge.
A night at the Balmoral hotel in Edinburgh is followed by two nights aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman on an exclusive charter then two celebratory nights at Skibo, hosted throughout by familiar faces from the club and with some special surprises along the way.
The Children's Barn will have a fantastic programme of activities to entertain the younger members of the family, and adults can avail themselves of all the usual club amenities from horse riding to golf to quad biking across the Skibo moor.
This event sees members play three fantastic courses over three days - Tain Links, Dunbarnie Links (by helicopter) and Skibo's own championship Carnegie Links – and can then join the club's legendary Longest Day celebrations. Spaces on this event are limited and much sought after by our golfers.
This annual celebration of golf culminates in our Club Championship, a hugely enjoyable and laid-back Stableford tournament which is played over two days and for players of all abilities. Trophies await the winners of the Scratch, Handicap and Ladies' sections, and much fun is had along the way.
Celebrate the Bank Holiday at Skibo and experience summer's last, blissful weekend. Members can enjoy falconry on the castle lawn, a guided walk on the estate, delicious treats at afternoon tea and menus featuring home-grown and locally sourced ingredients. Children will also find a programme of fun, age-appropriate activities on offer at our Barn.
The annual Carnegie Club Pro-Am is the most popular event of the Skibo golfing year, drawing some 20 teams of members and their guests to be paired with Professionals from the PGA Tartan Tour. With two days of competition and a lively evening programme including member favourites the Calcutta auction and gala dinner.
Our Focus on Equestrian week has been immensely popular since it began a few years ago, with members given the opportunity to work on their riding technique in one-to-one sessions with world-class experts. Participants can bring their own horses to the club or ride one from Skibo's stable.
A night at the Balmoral hotel in Edinburgh is followed by two nights aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman on an exclusive charter then two celebratory nights at Skibo, hosted throughout by familiar faces from the club and with some special surprises along the way.
This event grows in popularity each year as more members experience the spectacular line up of special guests and menus that celebrate epicurean excellence with a focus on home-grown talent and locally sourced, seasonal and ethically sourced ingredients.
Join us at Skibo for a weekend of frighteningly good fun with pumpkins galore and Halloween-themed décor, a spine-chilling selection of activities to keep the little ones entertained and plenty for grown-ups to enjoy with a fiendish firework display and an appearance by our resident house ghost.
This weekend is always a huge hit with members. Though the programme for the 2021 event is still to be finalised, previous years have seen exhibitions of work by artists including Ralph Steadman, Phil Shaw and John Ross, special wine guests and tastings, and musical entertainment including an orchestral performance under the stars in the stunning surroundings of the Skibo swimming pool.
Each year the club hosts a Thanksgiving celebration here at Skibo, serving up a delicious traditional Thanksgiving menu. Ever popular with our American members, all nationalities are warmly invited to enjoy the day in the sumptuous surroundings of the castle.
The Carnegie Club invites some of our favourite luxury brands to join us at Skibo for this special shopping weekend. Members can cross items off their Christmas list (or even just treat themselves!) in true Skibo style – surrounded by Baronial splendour and with a glass of champagne in hand!
Featuring everyone's favourite elements of our Christmas House Party - including a festive sing-song, a visit from Santa Claus and a traditional roast turkey with all the trimmings - this is a magical weekend ideal for those who want to enjoy a Skibo Christmas ahead of their family celebration at home.
A Skibo Castle Christmas is truly special. Members can expect festive entertainment, carol singing, pantomime high jinks, a visit from Santa, superb food and wine – including mulled wine, eggnog and freshly baked mince pieces - as well as a fun programme of events which will keep children of all ages entertained!
Members can experience a traditional Scottish Hogmanay with family and friends at Skibo Castle and ring in the new year with a sensational gala dinner, fireworks and dancing until the wee small hours.
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