Shining the spotlight on our dedicated team member: Dylan Mackenzie-Copland.
Dylan plays an integral role in the daily running of our glamping business. Rolling up to our site through the winding roads and pine trees, guests can expect to be met by Dylan with his friendly smile and instantly welcoming demeanour. Dylan has worked with us since 2021 initially helping our cleaning teams with preparing our pods for guests, assisting with grounds maintenance and taking care of our ever growing farm animals.
Eager to learn and grow, Dylan soon started wearing multiple hats and turning his hand to any areas where help was needed, with the extra hands on deck, our team were able to make some improvements and refurbishments throughout the site, including insulating pods, the install of our contemporary shower facilities and upgrading log burning stoves in our cabins. In addition to this, in 2021 Dylan completed his qualification in teaching Targeting Achery and thus was born our “Have-A-Go Archery” Activity!
This was a big moment for us and allowed us to expand our offering to those coming to enjoy a holiday in rural Scotland. Over the years these additions meant that as a business, our glamping site soon rocketed from a seasonal holiday spot to an all year round glamping site for those seeking a connection to nature,a hub for young families and a comfortable base for hiking enthusiasts.
It didn’t take long for us to see the special skills in Dylan, with his willingness to upskill and learn more about the daily running of Glenshee Glamping, Dylan decided to join the modern apprenticeship for hospitality with Perth College UHI in 2023. This involved learning all the skills required for a front of house role whilst providing great customer service; including learning company policy and procedures and why they are in place and how it all feeds into the wider industry of hospitality and tourism. Along with other skills that develop awareness, safety, business standards and development. Most importantly to provide the best customer experience possible.
Since then, our Archery sessions have become increasingly popular with families, couples and large groups. With a blend of expertise, patience, and a profound passion for the bow and arrow, Dylan has become an incredible Archery Instructor, so popular in demand that we have now opened our archery activity to the public, meaning you no longer have to be a guest to book in an archery session with Dylan! Way-to-go Dylan, we certainly hit the bullseye when we employed you!
So you can get to know Dylan a little better, We asked him to put his bow down and answer a few questions:
"Hi, I am 20 years of age , originally from Sussex and now living in stunning Highland Perthshire, I have recently completed my modern apprenticeship with Perth College - UHI.
"I have always loved archery as a sport and the history of it has always fascinated me and after moving into the area and not finding any clubs in the area after the local club closed; shortly after covid I decided to put the idea forward as something to add to the business. Which was then looked into and was decided It would be a good addition"
"I have been doing archery on and off since I was 8 years old but only really started to practice at 14 before moving to Perthshire, where I had to stop for a while until I was 16 when I was able to start doing the sport again."
"I really enjoy meeting new people, we often get guests from Norway, Dubai as well as other areas throughout the UK and europe. I also really enjoy helping guests make the most of their experience here at Glenshee Glamping and like to think the archery sessions add to their holiday memories."
"Just have fun with it, it’s a really cool ancient skill to try and you can do it in a fun environment surrounded by the serene hills of Scotland.. it doesn’t get more Robin Hood than that!"
My husband and I have been going to Glenshee since 2017 whilst it was under previous ownership. We have been fortunate enough to have seen the changes and improvements implemented by Nathan and Helena over the last few years and they are as much a reason to book as the facilities provided. They are two of the loveliest people who have put so much time and effort in to giving the space a new lease of life & it has paid off. The showering facilities have been greatly improved & the additions of a play area & additional family activities has been a much welcomed one. There is so much to utilise in terms of activities and extra space to use, the Bothy is super cosy and welcoming with the rustic vibe that you would expect & appreciate in a glamping experience. We have stayed in the Tummelberry Hut, Blackberry Hut and the cosy glamping pods and have utilised additional services including bedding packs & the hot tub. Both huts are spacious, comfortable and presented beautifully, with lovely amenities that make it feel like a home away from home, but that’s how it has always felt at Glenshee Glamping. More recently we have enjoyed the cosy glamping pods & have found this suitable for our needs, the pods are big enough to move freely and comfortably & cosy enough to relax and feel rejuvenated. The hot tubs are a great addition to the site and are super easy to keep heated, we were well informed on how to use ours & were both able to lie comfortably and relax. Glenshee is somewhere we found and booked randomly 8 years ago and now it has provided us the opportunity for escapism, relaxation and reconnection. It is the perfect getaway for anyone and I will never stop recommending it. Rooms: 5/5Service: 5/5Location: 5/5 Hotel highlights Great view, Romantic, Quiet, Child-friendly, Great value
Allanah Rae | Feb 2025 | Google
Could not have had a more wonderful time! Amazingly warm and cozy pods surrounded by beautiful scenery. Helena and Nathan made us feel so welcomed and provided such a lovely experience. The wood-fired hot tub was a real treat and the idyllic location (along with the very friendly animals!) made for a truly perfect stay. Will definitely be coming back!
Sorcha Groundsell | Jun 2022 | google review