HOW DO YOU STAG DO?

Word on the street is that 2022 stag parties are going to be better than ever – talk about making up for lost time! And with January a peak planning time (the combo of the Christmas comedown and the desire to have something to look forward to), it may be worth trying to beat the rush! Claire Muir takes a look at the best ways to stag in Scotland.

Guy McKenzie Blown Away

BLOWN AWAY

Rewind a few years and you may have been hoping to pack your bags and your best men, and head for sunnier climes. But post-lockdown – hello, tricky travel restrictions and people’s differing Covid19-related comfort zones – a stag on Scottish soil is a real option.

In our opinion, that’s no bad thing! In fact, you have some incredible options on your doorstep. We’ve rounded up some of our favourites and we promise, there really is something for everyone…

After a couple of years spent staying in, action-packed outdoor adventures are going to be uber-appealing this year. Plus, being outside is perfect for those who’re now extra safety conscious.

“Our activities are all outdoors and appeal to thrill-seekers looking for something a bit different,” says Guy McKenzie, who owns Blown Away in St. Andrews with his twin brother, Jamie. “Land yachting, for example, is something most people haven’t done before, and it runs all year round.”

Making organisation easy, the brothers will kit you out with everything (even towels!) and they also offer surfing, paddleboarding, SUPertankers (giant paddleboards) and kayaking. Looking for a little friendly competition? Ask about their stag Olympics and Highland Games!

If your groom prefers to be indoors, get the adrenaline pumping with an exhilarating escape room challenge. Get carried away at Escape Hunt in Edinburgh where, after you’ve (hopefully) beaten the clock, you can celebrate your successes in the lavish VIP party lounge.

If a long-awaited night out is on the agenda, you could do far worse than a Scottish staycation. Whether you’re after a Michelin-starred dining experience or a tour of rustic boozers, you won’t have to look far.

“Glasgow and Edinburgh boast some of the UK’s top-rated nightlife scenes,” says Raymond Daffurn, director at Rock Star Party Bus, which offers the perfect place to pre-game in private before you hit the town. A luxurious venue on wheels, the 24-seater Rock Star Party Bus is superhigh spec. “We have two champagne bars, disco lights, smoke machines, largescreen TVs and a huge surround-sound system,” explains Raymond.

ROCK STAR PARTY BUS

Raymond Daffurn Rock Star Party Bus

With quality time more important than ever post-lockdown, low-key might be the name of the game – a round of golf, a whisky tour or a day at the races, perhaps?

Alternatively, go for an exclusive hire house with the option to add-on activities. From a luxe penthouse featuring a bespoke cocktail party (Espresso Martini, anyone?) to a country-style mansion with clay pigeon shooting a stone’s throw away, you can really personalise the experience.

Whatever you decide to do, don’t forget to get clued up on the basics – get organised early, be budget-conscious and incorporate recovery time for the groom before the big day!

If last October is anything to go by (apparently, there was a massive 9,900% increase in joint stag and hen dos!) we’re going to be seeing lots more couples celebrating their ‘last night of freedom’ together this year.

“Bringing stag and hen parties together is increasingly popular,” confirms Cheryl King, managing director at Blue Murder Events, which offers private, themed murder mystery and dinner packages across Scotland. Packed with glamour, mystery and intrigue, the events are simple to organise and a great way to get guests of both genders mingling.

“Given the ups and downs of the last 18 months, couples are looking to organise staycation sten parties with a difference,” she adds.

So, why the sudden surge? Well, budget for one. If your post-pandemic purse-strings are tight, separate stag and hen dos can be costly. Organising two events in one could be much cheaper. Alternatively, it’s a chance to pool your resources and budgets… In other words, go bigger and better!

Practically, there are plusses too. It’s handy for long-term couples who share friendship groups but also ticks the box for those who don’t. Friends who’ve never had the chance to meet? Bring them together for a sten or hag celebration and break the ice before the big day.