First impressions matter tremendously in the world of short-term rentals. When your guests open the door to your Scottish property after their journey, what greets them sets the tone for their entire stay. A thoughtfully curated welcome package doesn’t just make guests feel appreciated—it can transform a good experience into an exceptional one, leading to glowing reviews and repeat bookings.
At Mòrachd, we’ve perfected the art of creating memorable welcome packages for properties across Scotland. In this guide, we’ll share our expertise on how to craft welcome packages that showcase authentic Scottish hospitality while delighting your guests from the moment they arrive.
Why Welcome Packages Matter
Before diving into the specifics, let’s understand why welcome packages are worth your investment:
- Enhanced First Impressions: 78% of guests mention welcome amenities in positive reviews
- Increased Booking Value: Properties with thoughtful welcome packages can command 15-20% higher nightly rates
- Better Reviews: Welcome packages consistently lead to higher ratings on review platforms
- Lower Support Requests: Well-designed welcome information reduces guest questions by up to 40%
- Memorable Experiences: Local touches create lasting memories that guests share on social media
Essential Components of a Scottish Welcome Package
1. A Warm Written Welcome
Every welcome package should begin with a personal note. This doesn’t need to be elaborate—a simple handwritten card expressing your pleasure at hosting them sets a hospitable tone.
Scottish Touch: Use a card featuring Scottish landscapes or designs from local artists. Consider including a few words of Gaelic greeting such as “Fàilte” (Welcome) or “Ceud mìle fàilte” (A hundred thousand welcomes).
2. Local Food and Drink Essentials
After traveling to your property, guests often arrive hungry or thirsty. Providing a few carefully selected refreshments can be particularly appreciated.
Scottish Essentials:
- Scottish shortbread from a local bakery
- A small bottle of Scottish mineral water (Highland Spring or Strathmore)
- Scottish breakfast tea bags
- A small jar of locally produced honey or jam
- For adult guests, consider a miniature of Scotch whisky from a local distillery
Pro Tip: Include information cards about the producers of these items, highlighting their Scottish heritage and local connections.
3. Practical Necessities
Thoughtful hosts anticipate what guests might need immediately upon arrival:
- Milk in the refrigerator (or non-dairy alternative)
- Coffee and tea making supplies
- A small selection of breakfast items for the first morning
- Hand soap and toilet paper
- A small emergency kit with plasters, pain relievers, and antacids
Scottish Weather Consideration: Scotland’s weather is famously changeable. Consider including a compact umbrella or packable rain poncho—items guests may not have packed but will certainly appreciate!
4. Local Guidebook and Recommendations
While digital recommendations are helpful, a physical guidebook remains one of the most appreciated welcome package components.
Include:
- A map of the local area with walking routes marked
- Recommendations for nearby restaurants, categorized by cuisine and price point
- Information about local attractions with insider tips on the best times to visit
- Emergency contact information and the location of the nearest pharmacy and grocery store
- Transportation information including taxi numbers and bus schedules
Scottish Cultural Insight: Include a page about local Scottish traditions, phrases, or history relevant to your specific location. Guests love learning about ceilidhs in the Highlands, the fishing heritage of coastal villages, or the literary connections in Edinburgh.
Elevating Your Welcome Package: Regional Scottish Touches
Scotland’s diverse regions offer unique opportunities to customize welcome packages based on your property’s location:
Highland Properties
For properties in the Highlands, consider including:
- A small bottle of Highland whisky or gin
- Locally made tablet (a traditional Scottish sweet)
- Information about nearby munros (mountains) with difficulty ratings
- A guide to spotting local wildlife, including red deer and golden eagles
- A small bottle of midge repellent (seasonal, but always appreciated!)
Edinburgh and Glasgow Properties
For city-based properties, focus on urban exploration:
- A one-day transport pass
- Artisan chocolates or baked goods from renowned local shops
- Information about lesser-known museums and galleries
- A guide to the best coffee shops and breakfast spots within walking distance
- Discount vouchers for local attractions (often available through tourism partnerships)
Coastal and Island Properties
Properties near Scotland’s stunning coastline can feature:
- Fresh seafood vouchers for local fishmongers
- Locally harvested sea salt
- Tide timetables and safe beach walking routes
- Information about boat trips and island hopping opportunities
- A small bottle of island gin or whisky (Harris, Islay, or Arran depending on location)
Sustainable and Ethical Considerations
Modern travelers increasingly value sustainability. Enhance your welcome package by:
- Using minimal packaging or recyclable/reusable containers
- Sourcing products from local, small-scale producers
- Including information about responsible tourism practices in the area
- Providing reusable shopping bags with your property branding
- Offering information about local recycling procedures
Scottish Sustainability: Scotland has a strong commitment to sustainability. Highlight this by including products from companies participating in initiatives like the Scottish Green Business Network or those using traditional, sustainable production methods.
Seasonal Adaptations
Scotland’s distinct seasons offer opportunities to refresh your welcome package throughout the year:
Spring (March-May)
- Local wildflower honey
- Seeds for Scottish wildflowers guests can plant at home
- Information about spring festivals and events
- Lighter refreshments like Scottish berries or fruit preserves
Summer (June-August)
- Scottish-made ice cream vouchers
- Locally brewed craft beers
- SPF moisturiser (yes, even in Scotland!)
- Information about outdoor swimming spots and beaches
Autumn (September-November)
- Warming Scottish tea blends
- Locally made soups or soup mixes
- Information about the best spots for autumn colours
- Cosy Scottish wool socks or hand warmers
Winter (December-February)
- Hot chocolate from a local chocolatier
- Warming whisky miniatures
- Information about winter walks and viewpoints
- Scottish shortbread with festive flavours
- Details about Hogmanay celebrations if applicable
Presentation Matters
How you present your welcome package significantly impacts guest perception:
- Consistent Branding: Use consistent colours, fonts, and styling that match your property’s aesthetic
- Quality Containers: Present items in high-quality baskets, boxes, or trays that guests can use during their stay
- Thoughtful Arrangement: Consider how items are discovered—place the welcome note on top and arrange other items logically
- Strategic Placement: Position your welcome package where guests will immediately see it upon entering
Scottish Presentation: Consider using traditional Scottish materials like tweed, tartan, or heather in your presentation. A small tweed pouch or tartan ribbon adds an authentic touch without being clichéd.
Digital Complements to Physical Welcome Packages
While physical welcome packages create immediate impact, digital components offer convenience:
- Send a pre-arrival email with access instructions, along with a digital guidebook
- Create a property-specific app or website section with searchable information
- Include QR codes in your physical guidebook linking to more detailed online resources
- Offer a digital feedback form specifically about the welcome package to continually improve
Welcome Packages for Different Budgets
Effective welcome packages don’t need to be expensive. Here are approaches for different budget levels:
Essential Welcome (£15-25 per stay)
- Handwritten welcome note
- Local tea and coffee
- Small package of Scottish shortbread
- Milk in the fridge
- Basic printed guide to the property and area
Enhanced Welcome (£25-40 per stay)
- All essentials plus:
- Small bottle of local whisky, gin, or non-alcoholic alternative
- Selection of Scottish breakfast items
- More comprehensive local guide with maps
- Basic toiletries with Scottish ingredients
Luxury Welcome (£40-75+ per stay)
- All enhanced items plus:
- Premium local food hamper
- Full-sized Scottish spirits or wines
- Locally made crafts or homeware items as keepsakes
- Professionally printed guidebook
- Vouchers for local experiences
Let Mòrachd Create Your Perfect Welcome Package
Crafting the perfect welcome package requires local knowledge, supplier relationships, and consistent execution—all of which take considerable time and effort to maintain.
At Mòrachd, we handle every aspect of welcome package creation and delivery for our property management clients across Scotland. Our team:
- Sources authentic, high-quality Scottish products from trusted suppliers
- Creates custom guidebooks tailored to your specific property and guest demographic
- Refreshes welcome packages seasonally to ensure returning guests have new experiences
- Handles all logistics, from assembly to placement before each guest arrival
- Gathers and implements guest feedback to continually enhance the experience
Our property management services include welcome package creation and management, alongside our comprehensive offering of cleaning, maintenance, marketing, and guest communication services.
Want to delight your guests from the moment they arrive? Contact Mòrachd today to discuss how we can elevate your guest experience with the perfect Scottish welcome.
