Home to the Highland Games, one of the most famous families in Tennis, and much more – Scotland and sport have gone hand in hand for centuries. With this in mind, our beloved Tigh Mor Trossachs, set on the edge of beautiful Loch Achray, recently welcomed another sporting event to its grounds.
In September 2019, Tigh Mor played host to the second ever Duke Triathlon: a huge sporting occasion that took over the site, making excellent use of the exquisite location. The Duke Triathlon is designed to be a race that both seasoned and novice athletes can relish, as well as their family and friends. With its breathtaking scenery, traffic-free trails and diverse terrain, the area around Tigh Mor Trossachs provided a wonderful location for this challenging, yet enjoyable, day in the sun.
We first welcomed The Duke to Tigh Mor in 2018, and it was a remarkable success. In fact, it was voted ‘Most Enjoyable Event of the Year’ in 2018 by Triathlon Scotland. Following this triumphant debut, the event moved from strength to strength to make 2019’s race bigger, better and if possible, even more beautiful.
Event organiser Richard Servranckx was encouraged by 2018’s outcome and in 2019 the Duke spanned the entire weekend. The Wee Duke on the Saturday was similar in length to the year before (400m open water swim, 18.5km cycle and 2.5km run), while the Big Duke on Sunday was an Olympic-distance route and more of a challenge (1.5km open water swim, 37km cycle and 8km run). The swimming portion of the race took place in Loch Achray, at the foot of Tigh Mor’s sweeping lawns, while the orienteering bike ride took competitors along the Duke’s Pass and the running trail up Ben A’an.
Meanwhile, younger competitors among the crowd could take part in a third 1.2km race, free to enter and specifically aimed at children. While this was going on, the collection of food stalls, beautiful setting and great atmosphere (helped by the lovely weather!) made it a fantastic day for both locals and guests alike.
Tigh Mor in autumn and winter is certainly a sight to see, the mountains capped with snow and the lochs like glass. Richard Wheeler, Property Manager, took part in the competition again this year. “It was a really stunning setting,” he told us, “and a really good day for everyone involved. Richard and Simon [Kerr, Site Manager at Tigh Mor] have done another brilliant job.”
Organiser Richard Servranckx, who worked in the tourist industry back in France, moved across to Edinburgh seven years ago. “My girlfriend and I packed a bag and set off on our travels. We were due to be in Edinburgh for six months… and we still haven’t left! We just love Scotland: the culture, the landscape, everything.”
It was while introducing some of his tourists to our onsite ghillie, Morris Meikle, for fishing lessons, that Richard first glimpsed Tigh Mor. After setting up his events business in Edinburgh, there wasn’t a doubt in his mind as to the ideal location for a triathlon. “It is beautiful at Tigh Mor: the grounds are nice and big and you have that lovely view of Ben Venue behind.”
For those of you who fancy giving the event a go in 2020, you can find more information about the different races and details about entering on the website. (Don’t forget that our guests receive a discount!) Details for next year will be available at a later date.
For more information about how you can enjoy a stay at Tigh Mor Trossachs, get in touch or request a free brochure.
