Scotland – Multi Activity, Social, Adventure and Sports Group
Spice Scotland – Your Questions Answered What is Spice Scotland? Scotland’s premier multi-activity adventure, social and sports club, the biggest and most exciting club of its type
Are your services professional? Spice Scotland was founded in 1992 and currently has over 600 members throughout Scotland. We are a franchise of Spice UK, which started in 1981 and now has over 12,000 members nationwide. We have fulltime staff and pride ourselves on offering a professional, friendly and efficient service to our members
How much does membership cost and how can I pay? Membership is just £12 per month (inclusive of VAT), paid monthly by direct debit. There are no contracts as such and you are a member on a month by month basis Only £12 a Month
Is there joint membership for couples? There is, and at a discount rate, Joint Membership is intended for co-habiting couples, the cost is £18 per month. Payment methods are as for single membership. Single members may convert to joint membership at any time in appropriate circumstances.
Can I come to events on my own? Of course you can, and most people do, at least sometimes. Spice is not a singles club but the majority of our membership is single and many come to events on their own. Spice is very friendly and people like chatting to everyone else regardless of whether they've met them before. Spice is a great way of meeting new friends and trying new things so attending on your own should hold no fears.
Are the events really dangerous? We are not a dangerous sports club – we give our members excitement under the safest conditions possible. Some events do carry an element of risk but we will only offer them when we are satisfied that the supplier is fully qualified and insured and offers the highest safety standards possible.
What does Spice Scotland do? We offer a comprehensive range of events for all tastes; social events, adventures, outdoor activities, meals, theatre, tours, workshops, sports, walks, weekends and holidays, with over 40 events each month and an event almost every day of the year.
Where do events take place? Events take place throughout the country, although the social and midweek programme is concentrated around Edinburgh and Glasgow.
How do I find out about and book the events? We have a fantastic website at www.spicescotland.com and publish seasonal newsletters with details of forthcoming events, many at discounted prices, and we offer a variety of methods for booking and payment online or by phone or post – then you just go along, meet nice people and enjoy the experience.
How do I join? Couldn’t be easier! Join on-line at www.spicescotland.com; fill in the Application Form enclosed in this pack; join over the phone on 0131 553 0026, or come along to a Preview Night, where forms and advice are available.
Do I have to go on a certain number of events per month? No you don’t, you can do as many, or as few, events as you wish – its up to you, but our programme is so extensive that there is bound to be something for everyone. Its also worth remembering that, as with life, you will get out according to what you put in – and there is plenty of scope to put in as much as you like!
How do I get to events if I don’t have a car/ don’t want to travel alone? We operate a transport share scheme with enables members to link up via our website. Whilst the link up works well we are unable to guarantee transport to events.
What type of people are members? We have over 600 members and there is no such thing as an average Spice member. We accept members from 18 to 80; single, attached or married; from varied backgrounds and with many different things they want to gain from membership. To make the most of Spice you should be willing to try new things, meet new people, go to new places and have a laugh while you’re doing it.
Once I’ve joined, what’s the best way to start? Quickly! Its easy to let time pass without attending events – ‘get stuck in’ is the best advice. Often there are events aimed at new members designed to get you started, try anything participative or in teams or be brave and go straight for a weekend away, by the end you'll not just have met people, you'll have made friends! We do not recommend ‘pay on the day’ events or ‘bar nights’ to new members as they can be quite hard to find your feet when you are new to the club.
Some events have limited places, how likely am I to get a slot? If you book in good time, almost certain. Only a handful of events sellout in advance of event date. The longer you wait the greater the chance that an event will sell-out but most still have places within a few days of taking place. Do I need to buy any specialist equipment for Spice events? All specialist equipment is provided by our suppliers. If anything extra is required it will be listed in the write-up.
Can I bring a friend/friends with me on the events? Guests are very welcome on Spice events and pay the guest price (usually around 20% extra). Many members have previously come along as a guest. Guests should, however, only come to 3 events and then think about joining themselves, as, obviously, the interest of members is our primary concern.
What do I do now? Join at www.spicescotland.com, call us on 0131 553 0026 or get a pen, complete the application form and waste no time in adding a new dimension to your social life.
Spice Membership and Event Feedback On the Water – Narrowboat & Picnic “Had a fantastic day on the water. Everything was perfect even the weather. There was a good crowd, especially liked the picnic, when everyone got off the boat and we just sat around chatting eating and drinking. Timings were perfect. Dead easy place to get to on the train, so for once I could have a drink. Made a couple of new friends, and will look for their names on any future trips. Thanks for a lovely day out, it was well worth the money and I would definitely recommend it to others.” Gail
Munro Walk “Just to say the Munro with Nina was really excellent - well done for finding her and thank you! I will definitely be doing lots of walks with her! Many thanks and delighted to be back.” Amanda x
Argyll Leisure Break “What a great weekend. As usual the scenery was fantastic and the sun shone! Keep up the good work! I couldn't fault the hotel on 1 thing so hope we book it again next year. Joy
Quiz Night
Canadian Canoeing “A fantastic day as expected. Never realised we would be going so far down river, full 6 miles from Kenmore to Aberfeldy, and much better than canoeing at Loch Ard last year which was great but this even better!” Cheers, Alan
“I've done loads of things since joining spice that I wouldn't otherwise have done. I've met a lot of really nice and interesting people. I've had great holidays, weekends, days and nights out. Thanks, and keep up the good work.” Brian Edinburgh Festival Weekend
Murrayfield Tour “The Murrayfield Tour went really well. Guide was excellent and the tour lasted over 2 hours. Also a big thank you for putting on such a fantastic event on Saturday..one of the best balls in my time in Spice. See you soon. Jim
Sun & Fun Holiday Just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed the holiday in Cyprus. It was exactly as it was described, as active as you wanted to make it! So many only give feedback if it is negative but I wanted to give positive feedback and say the holiday was fab. Thank you. Lesley
Spice Scotland Celebration Disco
“Thought the quiz was great last night, shame we came last but I enjoyed the prize nevertheless!!” Thanks Caroline
Membership
“Thanks for a lovely night on Saturday. Plenty of room to dance - had a great time.” See you soon Varrie
Membership I had a great time at all the events I came to and hope to re-join if I return to Scotland. Thanks a lot Rhiannon (who has now returned and rejoined!)
“Can I just say a big thank you on here to all involved in making the weekend so enjoyable: coordinators, VCs, and the Spice Scotland members who attended some of the events. I had a great time and I might ” even do it again Nigel
Behind the Scenes – Gleneagles Hotel “Had a great day at Gleneagles today it was fabulous, the tour was excellent and the tea was amazing have probably gained a few pounds but who cares! Overall an exceptional day, hope to c u soon” Lesley
Pitlochry Leisure Break “Thanks for a thoroughly enjoyable weekend break”. Regards Derek Adventure Adrenaline Weekend “Just to say a big thank you for a terrific weekend, the food, organisation, facilities and activities were excellent and I had a fantastic time - couldn't fault anything. I hope to get back soon, in the mean time I hope everything continues to go from strength to strength.” Regards Paul
What you say about Spice Scotland! Murder Mystery Weekend “Had a great time. Hotel comfortable and clean. Plenty of quality food. Tasted so good finished it all despite huge servings. Sunshine with no rain made the treasure hunt a very enjoyable experience. A great way to see amazingly beautiful countryside. Stopping off at hotels to sample even more Scottish Fayre at its best. Ardeonaig Hotel was amazing! The three years taken to transform can clearly be seen in the luxurious surroundings. The company was stimulating and the organisation was so good I didn't notice any glitches at all. A weekend that I would recommend to anyone. Thanks Beatrice Powerkiting “I had a brill time last month.” Mary
Canadian Canoeing Please can we have more days like Loch Ard canoeing....Sunday past it was a great day out. The instructors were good too, a nice day had by all Lesley
Italian Riviera Weekend “I really enjoyed this holiday. The hotel staff were great. Had a great time, I met some lovely people and Barry as usual kept us entertained. Diana Marina is a lovely place. The town had some good shops and we found a great little coffee/cake and chocoate shop. Monte Carlo was fab too. Yes, I'd recommend it again! All the best Gail
New Year Grand Ball “Great night – good food,wine,band and company all well organized. Thank-you.” Allyson On the Water – Narrowboat & Picnic A really good event would recommend it to everyone. Nice gentle way to spend a sunday and the picnic was fab. Iwona Ski Holiday “The entire week was faultless and would certainly recommend it and I would do it again.” Cheers Bob
Workshop - Clairvoyance
Guided Tour – Lothian Police Horses & Dogs Just to say thanks for organising a really fab event. I really enjoyed patting all the huge horses! Susan Blues Harmonica Workshop Blues Harmonica Workshop was EXCELLENT! Ben's presentation style is relaxed, funny and interesting. It was all very fun and interactive. Interestingly, it was less of a challenge to the shy folk than I thought it would be. So a great workshop which everyone left happy from and some (like myself) will keep playing. Cheers, Kevin
New Year Grand Ball “Thank you to you both for a wonderful night on Saturday night at the New Year Ball. It was fantastic. Many thanks for our treats of welcome refreshment, chocolates and wine for the table. It all was wonderful.” With thanks Janice
I was at the clairvoyant night in Glasgow last Wednesday. I really enjoyed it, and wondered if you would mind passing on my thanks. (and of coursemy thanks to yourselves for organising it) Regards, Carol
“The holiday, as a whole, was a fantastic experience” Lesley
Golf & Social Weekend
Spice Xmas Party Night
“Thought the weekend was excellent. Courses chosen were very good. Could not fault the location and accommodation. Everything was first class.” Lynne
Lucky Dip Dinner at Saninos. It was a very enjoyable event. Well organised as usual thanks to Barry keeping us going round in circles! The rotating nature of these events makes it more interesting as you get to chat to lots of people. The venue was good value and the staff were polite. Regards Janette
Ski Holiday
“I really enjoyed the event and the company there - everyone was so friendly. It exceeded my expectations and I felt it was extremely good value. I enjoyed the meal most and can't suggest any improvements. Barry coordinated the event well and ensured that everyone was comfortable and happy.” Regards Linda Edinburgh City Treasure Hunt I enjoyed working with a team of people I had not met before. Good way to get to know people. Anne
What you say about Spice Scotland! Borders Bargain Break
Ski Holiday
Glasgow Doors Open Day
“Just wanted to let you know that I had a fab time this weekend. It was my first weekend break with Spice and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The hotel was great, the walks were wonderful, the evening entertainment was fabulous and the crowd of Spicers was brilliant. I met some really nice people. It was really good that our friends from England put theirs hearts and souls into the Ceilidh. On the whole it was a weekend to remember, and I wish it wasn’t over. Thanks Barry as usual for your organisational skills and your company. Also to Ina and Stephen who led our walk on Sunday.” Thanks a lot Gail
“The food,accommodation and skiing were great. Most of my fellow Spicers were also excellent company Gavin
“Good choice of venues. Good guides in all of them. Not too busy in the venues. Well attended by Spicers and a good group. Well coordinated by Barry. Cheers Kevin
New Year Grand Ball “The whole evening was fantastic, the ceildh band were excellent and the food great.” Graeme
Golf & Social Weekend “I really enjoyed the weekend. Good choice of courses - testing but not impossible. Great hotel with good food. Good value for money. Friendly bunch of people. Definitely as good as I hoped. Would go on the same event again” Stephen Meal and Music Hall Memories “Had a great day at Arisaig and the Panoptican - clear brochure description - nice group of people - made welcome - loved the meal and the chance to find out about a place I'd never heard of. No improvement I could think of - I would recommend a visit to both places to friends - have already done so!!” Nancy
VC Walking Weekend “It was one of the best weekends I have been to, so it was the overall experience, made up of a friendly group, interesting walks, comfortable hotel room and nice meal. Only the rain on the Sat was a downer, but not as bad as expected. Also Melrose in October is a great combination!” Regards Joanne
Factory Tour @ Tunnock’s “ I would just like to say that the visit to Tunnocks lived up to my expectations and I have been trying to visit them on and off for the past 14 years. The write up was spot on even with us getting some samples to take home. It was an amazing insight into everything that goes on in the factory and I would certainly recommend it to anybody who would listen. Thanks for organising a great visit.” Marion
Ski Holiday “The entire week was faultless I would certainly recommend it and I would do it again. Very impressed with the Mark Warner link and would recommend it for future ski holidays. The ski hosting provided by Mark Warner was a highlight.” Cheers Bob
Isle of Mull Leisure & Spa Break “Just a quick note to say what a fantastic time I had on the Isle of Mull spa & leisure break. Being my first Spice weekend, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I can honestly say that it was far better than I anticipated. Met some great people, had fun and came back thoroughly relaxed. More of the same please.” Ruth
Spice Summer BBQ “The venue is the most stunning and fantastic place to have a BBQ and with the option of going indoors if the weather changes is an added bonus. Coordination was fine, Good value for money. Have now attended 2 and hope to attend the next one. Keep up the good work.” Regards Ruth
New Year Grand Ball “Great night – good food, wine, band and company all well organized” Thank you, Allyson. Glasgow Bar Night “Absolutely loved Arta. Beautiful venue in the heart of Glasgow. I have already booked November Bar Night here and am already looking forward to it. Would definitely recommend this venue for a great night out. As ever, the Spice crowd were warm and funny. Buffet was lovely. What more can you ask for?!.” Regards Nora
Preview Night/ Membership “Just a quick note to say thank you for the Preview Night at Arta. It was most informative and you seem to cover so many activities. I’m determined to try something I’ve never tried before.Think the club offers great value for money and great opportunities for trying new things and widening your circle of friends which is exactly what i am hoping to do.” Helen