With a celebrated career shaping guest experiences in travel and tourism, Katarina Railko has become a key voice in the world of entertainment and events, particularly known for her expertise in creating immersive conferences and expos. Today, she unpacks the strategy behind a uniquely luxurious take on a classic Scottish tradition. We’ll explore the art of blending distinct brands like a five-star hotel, a renowned whisky distillery, and a high-fashion designer into a single, cohesive event. Katarina will shed light on how to architect an emotional journey for guests, the power of weaving historical narratives into a modern setting, and the delicate balance of honoring tradition while delivering unforgettable surprises.
This event merges hospitality, whisky, and fashion into a single evening. What were the strategic benefits of partnering with The Dalmore and Siobhan Mackenzie, and how did you ensure each brand’s identity was highlighted while creating one cohesive, luxurious experience?
Bringing these three powerhouses together is a masterstroke in creating an event that transcends a simple dinner. The strategy is to build a multi-sensory world of Scottish luxury that no single brand could create alone. Kimpton Blythswood Square provides the iconic, five-star canvas. The Dalmore introduces an authentic, historical depth and a sophisticated tasting experience that anchors the event in tradition. Then, Siobhan Mackenzie, as the hotel’s designer-in-residence, injects a contemporary, bespoke layer of high fashion. The cohesion is achieved by focusing on a shared narrative of craftsmanship. You don’t just see Siobhan’s work; you hear her discuss the story behind the hotel’s official tartan. You don’t just drink The Dalmore; you participate in a guided tasting that explains its heritage. Each element elevates the others, creating a singular, immersive story of modern Scottish elegance.
The guest journey seems carefully planned, from a cinema room screening to a formal dinner with a ceilidh band. What is the intended emotional arc for attendees, and how do you use transitions in location and entertainment to build atmosphere and create memorable moments?
The emotional arc is designed to be a crescendo. It begins with a sense of awe and immersion. Guests arrive at 7 pm not just to a drink, but to the powerful, stirring sound of a live bagpiper, immediately grounding them in Scotland. The transition to the Harris Tweed cinema room for a screening of Braveheart scenes is brilliant; it’s a moment of quiet anticipation, allowing guests to relax with a whisky cocktail and canapés while being enveloped in epic Scottish lore. This sets a dramatic, historical tone before the energy shifts. Moving into the Monte Carlo Suite for dinner is the next act, where the atmosphere becomes celebratory and communal with the live Red Bothy Ceilidh Band. The evening then culminates in a poignant, reflective moment with the performance of ‘The Bonnie Banks’ and a final dram, leaving guests with a feeling of warm nostalgia. Each transition—from the cinematic to the festive to the heartfelt—is a deliberate step in crafting a complete, unforgettable emotional experience.
The collaboration with The Dalmore is noted as meaningful due to historic ties with the Mackenzie clan. How does this shared heritage influence the creative process, and how will you convey that deep story of craft and tradition to guests during the evening’s discussion?
This shared heritage is the creative soul of the event. It’s not just a sponsorship; it’s a storytelling anchor. For the creative team, this connection provides a rich, authentic narrative to build upon, turning a brand partnership into a genuine celebration of a shared lineage. The story is conveyed to guests not through a lecture, but through experience. During the evening, Siobhan will lead a discussion that connects her own Mackenzie roots and the craft of tartan design directly to the history of The Dalmore, which also has ties to the clan. This transforms the event from a series of activities into a living story. Guests aren’t just consuming products; they are being invited into a legacy of “craftsmanship, resilience, and respect for tradition,” making the whisky taste richer and the tartan feel more significant.
An event like this aims to attract both Burns Night veterans and newcomers. What specific elements cater to those expecting a traditional experience, and what surprising details might delight someone attending their very first Burns Supper? Please elaborate on balancing those expectations.
The balance here is expertly handled. For the traditionalists, all the core pillars are present: the live bagpiper on arrival, the central meal of haggis, neeps, and tatties, and the vibrant energy of a ceilidh band. These elements assure veterans they are at an authentic Burns Supper. The delight for newcomers—and the “Kimpton spin” for everyone—comes from the unexpected layers of luxury and culture. A first-timer might not expect a private cinema screening with curated canapés or a fashion discussion from the hotel’s own designer-in-residence. The guided tasting of The Dalmore elevates the classic “wee dram” into an educational and sensory experience. This approach respects the tradition while wrapping it in a package of modern, five-star hospitality, ensuring it feels both classic and completely fresh.
What is your forecast for the future of luxury hotel events?
My forecast is a continued move away from generic events and toward hyper-curated, narrative-driven experiences. The future isn’t just about offering a beautiful room and good food; it’s about creating a unique, memorable story that guests can step into for a night. We’ll see more strategic, cross-industry collaborations like this one, merging hospitality with fashion, art, history, and technology to create immersive micro-worlds. The most successful events will be those that offer exclusive access and authentic storytelling, making guests feel like they are part of something truly special and unrepeatable. The emphasis will be on transforming a simple evening into a powerful memory that resonates long after the last dram is finished.
