10 QUESTIONS WITH TERRI BRYCE, FOUNDER OF DMSCOTLAND
1.) Good morning Terri, welcome to The Mayfair Musings! How did Destination Management Scotland first begin?
You know what they say about being in the right time at the right place. Well, I was.
I was working part-time, I had 2 young children, didn’t really know what direction I was going to take after some time off to have a family. One day I got a call from a friend working in the US. He needed some help organising some travel logistics on the ground in Scotland for some of his US whisky clients. I arranged one trip, then another and another. I loved the buzz of seeing smiling happy clients and 8 years later… here I am, completely hooked!
Whilst Destination Management Scotland wasn’t planned, I love to travel, explore, and learn new things. So, I thought why not create a business about these things feel so passionately about: Scotland and whisky of course. Using my experience of my first few ‘trips’, I created DMScotland.
2.) Have you always worked in the world of travel?
I grew up in Hong Kong, lived in Portugal and London, and finally settled in Scotland, my home country. My first job out of university was in London working for The Appointment Group, a private travel and events company with clients like EMI, Virgin and BMG. That’s where my love for creating luxury events grew. All my roles have been around the service industry and I like to see happy clients and strive to make their experience in Scotland a memorable one.
3.) What does DMScotland offer for luxury travellers?
DMScotland goes against the industry grain and puts the focus solely on the experience, designing holidays according to the client’s specific brief. Gone are the times of pick up and pay itineraries. We know something ‘off the shelf’ simply isn’t good enough for travellers who want a bespoke, extraordinary Scotland experience. And we pride ourselves on our attention to detail, creativity, and due diligence.
Since travelling abroad looks less likely for the foreseeable, this is absolutely the year of the Scotland staycation. And I’m confident in saying we can plan the best Scotland travel experience you can have.
I work exclusively with a network of industry leaders and strategic partners, which I’ve vetted personally. That means I only work with – and recommend – hotels, experiences, distilleries, restaurants that I know meet my (and my clients) high-standards. Suppliers who offer exceptional service and world-class experiences. I visit every place I recommend in advance, which is no small feat, but ensures everything I book is guaranteed to “wow”.
We’re also based in Scotland, which means we’re at the fore of the latest trends, openings, and activities. My knowledge of Scotland and my contacts allow me to consider areas and adventures that most travel companies simply aren’t even aware of. It’s that knowledge that inspires my creativity and allows me to curate memorable experiences for clients.
4.) Why is it better to book a trip through DM Scotland rather than going it alone?
If you only rely on travel sites, forums, booking systems, then the amount of information out there can be very daunting. If you haven’t been to Scotland before you’ll be surprised by the sheer amount there is to do in this small country! Scotland really is an adventure playground. And if you don’t know where to go, which route to take, where to eat, sleep, play, and drink whisky it can be frustrating.
As professional travel designers, we like to think we remove the stress, fluster, and confusion from planning a Scotland staycation. We have an understanding, creativity, and a passion for Scotland. More than that, we have strategic relationships in place already, so you don’t have to spend hours trawling websites looking for the best hotels or experiences.
We do as little or as much of your luxury trip planning, as you want or need. It’s totally up to you. We can even take away the stress of hosting an event if you’re entertaining family members or clients.
5.) There are so many elements of a trip to consider and Scotland is full of hidden gems. What are some of your favourite points of interest that might inspire luxury travellers?
Scotland has so many hidden gems and it’s the heady mix of experiences that make a trip here so wonderful. We know that travellers to Scotland are looking to experience something away from the norm, something extraordinary. That’s what we strive for.
For example, start your day with wilderness experience, such as forest bathing or dive into a loch. Follow that with privately tutored clay pigeon shooting, kayaking, fishing, or a hike in Scotland’s wild landscapes. Then perhaps a foraged lunch on a beautiful wild beach before an afternoon activity, an exclusive whisky tasting, exhilarating boat ride, or a luxe spa experience. Around 6pm we’ll have the cocktails flowing in your luxury hotel until dinner is served – perhaps outdoors, as the sun sets over the mountainscapes. Before finishing the day with a private astronomer leading a stargazing experience.
That’s the thing about a Scotland staycation. Whether you’re craving adrenaline-fuelled adventures or want to recharge in a woodfired hut tub, premium gin in hand (or a little of both) – with us, anything is possible.
6.) From our conversations so far, you have a wonderful eye for detail! Can you give us an example of how you made a Scotland trip extra special for an individual or group?
Thank you! I always make sure I get to know my clients during our discovery call. Without them knowing, I frequently add something special to their arrival in Scotland, such as their favourite dram in their car, their initials on a cashmere scarf at fine mill tour, or complimentary drink at a recommended restaurant.
There are many occasions that show it’s the smallest of details that can elevate a trip into lifelong memories. For example, on a discovery call with a new client, he casually mentioned that his wife loved puffins - it wasn’t part of the brief, but I took note. So, during their free time in Edinburgh I arranged a special surprise for them. There’s an island along the coast, which is home to hundreds of puffins, and I planned a private tour of the island for them. To make it extra special, I arranged a private boat ride and wildlife specialist, so they were completely immersed in their very own island experience. As you can imagine, the client and his wife were beyond thrilled.
7.) What do you love most about DMScotland?
I may be biased as I created the company! But I genuinely love the values, ethos, and service levels come from our core, from my experience, and what I would expect from a luxury trip - that standard doesn’t drop. Not only do I get to create amazing, fun, and exciting trips, but I also love travelling Scotland myself whilst doing research.
I also love building relationships with each client. I tend to have visitors return which means I don’t have to do a discovery call each time - I already know what they like and dislike. One of my returning clients from the US says to me every time they come back to Scotland “it’s like I am visiting an old friend”. It’s those little things that count.
We’re also classed as Scottish whisky tour experts and as a whisky geek, I absolutely love this. I’m currently on my 49th distillery tour and plan to get around all 120 once we can travel again. Like with most things at DMScotland, we research and build on our knowledge all the time and if that means going to each distillery in Scotland then I’m more than happy to oblige! It gives my clients confidence when I recommend each part of their trip - they trust I know what I’m talking about and have first-hand experience before recommending.
8.) How do we book a trip with DMScotland?
It’s simple. First, we talk about your trip by email, phone, or video call – whatever works best for you. I’ll then go away and create a bespoke travel plan based on the information you give me. Best of all, you deal with me for every part of your trip. That means I’m on hand from start to finish, to create something truly bespoke for your luxury Scottish experience. Whether you’re looking for the latest travel advice or hotel inspiration, I’m there to help.
As part of our planning process, we also look at timings, budgets, and payments. And who’s coming on the trip – whilst I book trips for solo travellers and families, business groups and corporate getaways can be just as luxurious and are something I also specialise in.
Naturally, I treat every trip with the same high level of service, respect, and confidentiality.
9.) What are some of your favourite parts of Scotland and why?
Of course, I love all of Scotland. But I have to say the west coast of Scotland is my favourite part. I love the ruggedness of the west. It’s empty, raw, and you never know what you’re going to get weather wise. One day stretch your legs on the most beautiful white sandy beaches with crystal clear waters. The next, cosy up in front of the fire on a blustery cold day, award-winning dram in hand. If you’re looking to escape the city rat race and feel like going a little ‘off grid’, the west coast is for you. You’ll find some cool nooks and crannies, like quaint castles and off grid bothies, mixed with grand venues and luxurious hotels. It’s a special place.
A close second however is Speyside because it packs more than 50 whisky distilleries into an incredibly beautiful area. It’s the greatest concentration of distilleries in all of Scotland, and that’s a big statement; we have so many whisky-producing regions. I have a lot of requests for luxury whisky tours and thankfully I know Speyside like the back of my hand.
10.) When you're not busy working, where can you be found and what might you be doing?
I live on the East Coast about 18 miles outside of Edinburgh. It is an amazing spot and I love the sea, but I also like to get out of my local area and explore Scotland. I took up paddle boarding about 8 years ago, so you will most definitely find me near the water on a loch or charging down a river on my board.
I also like to try things that are a little out of the ordinary. Forest bathing, sleeping in a bothy, camping under the stars, coastal foraging, or ticking off the last of my distillery visits – you could say I’m an experience driven traveller. And that’s something I love to pass on to my clients.
Everywhere I travel to in Scotland, I make connections. I like to research before I visit and speak to the people there. Get to know the locals too. So really, I am still working even when I’m not supposed to be.
Are you ready to embark on your Scottish adventure?
Let Destination Management Scotland help you with your staycation in Scotland.
Contact: terri.bryce@dmscotland.com
PLANNED BY US | DESIGNED FOR YOU
