The name Glen eagles derives not from birds but from the Gaelic ‘eaglais’ meaning church. It is now the name of one of the worlds great hotels located just two miles to the west of Auchterarder.

Gleneagles hotel was originally built by the Caledonian Railway Company. Work began in 1913 and the hotel opened to the public in July 194. The opening night was marked with a live national radio broadcast from the ballroom and since the Gleneagles has rarely been out of the public eye. It perhaps achieved its greatest fame in 1977 when the leaders of the Commonwealth met there and signed the Gleneagles Agreement that severed all sporting links with apartheid South Africa.

Today, Gleneagles offers an unsurpassed range of facilities. Its three championship golf courses include the PGA Centenary Course designed by Jack Nicklaus, which will host the famed Ryder Cup in 2014. The equestrian centre and shooting school enjoy international reputations as do its award winning chefs. Afternoon tea is still one of the great Scottish traditions.

But for visitors who can drag themselves away from the magnificent leisure facilities, the real joy of Gleneagles Hotel is its superb setting among panoramic views that encapsulate the essence of Scotland.