Sodexo extends trio of iconic Scottish cultural destination contracts

Sodexo has extended its partnership with Dundas Castle in West Lothian, Blair Castle in Perthshire and Discovery Point in Dundee.

Sodexo has extended its 16-year partnership with Dundas Castle for another three years, worth £2.4m.

Sodexo will continue to provide conference and banqueting for exclusive use at the five star wedding and events venue.

Stretching back more than 20 years, the partnership with Blair Castle is extended by another five. The £2.75m contract sees the Sodexo team continue to provide a day visitor restaurant, as well as conference and banqueting for events.

Sodexo has been the catering partner to Discovery Point since 2010, providing a restaurant for day visitors to Captain Scott’s polar exploration ship RRS Discovery, as well as conference and banqueting for events. The five-year extension is worth £1.25m.

Chris Bray, CEO Sports & Leisure, Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: “We’re extremely pleased to build our relationship with three iconic cultural destinations in Scotland. Our partnership with Dundas Castle demonstrates we can provide high-level fine dining and a world-class experience to guests, using locally-sourced products. Our partnerships with Blair Castle and Discovery Point show we can reproduce that experience for events while providing for large numbers of visitors during the day."

Sir Jack Stewart-Clark, Dundas Castle owner, said: “We have decided to extend our contract with Sodexo Sports & Leisure for good reasons. Firstly, as our sole caterers, Sodexo gives us consistently good catering. Secondly, this is backed up by a dedicated, efficient and friendly staff. This is what I call a mutually valuable and rewarding partnership.”

Scott Robertson, business development manager at Blair Castle, said: “Blair Castle and Atholl Estates have had a strong partnership with Sodexo Sports and Leisure which has developed over the last 20 years; we are looking forward to that continuing in the future. The castle is proud that over the years, Sodexo Sports and Leisure has served our visitors in the restaurant and guests at events and weddings quality food using local produce where possible.

“Both the planning and operating teams at Sodexo Sports & Leisure are friendly and professional with a flexible and positive approach, which is essential for an historic castle. It is with delight we will carry on serving amazing food to our visitors and customers, and with the help of the great people at Sodexo to continue to prosper."

Mark Munsie, operations director at Discovery Point, said: “These are exciting times in Dundee with the £1bn waterfront development delivering major changes to the city. Discovery Point and RRS Discovery play a central role in this development and is at the forefront of the city’s tourism offer. We are pleased to continue partnering with Sodexo Sports & Leisure who play a major role in the delivery of our award winning visitor experience for both our attraction visitors and corporate clients.”