In Your Shoes - Mhairi Preston

Monday

The week began gently, with a much-needed day off after a hectic week. I had lunch with my hubby and friends which stretched into laughter and stories. The kind of easy company that makes you feel totally relaxed. Later, I caught up with my parents before ending the day on a high - an overseas call with a friend I hadn’t spoken to in months. Despite the distance and time apart, we slipped right back into our old rhythm, as if no time had passed at all.

Tuesday

Another day off, though it was far from idle. My husband runs an Airbnb, so I donned my invisible housekeeping hat and helped him get everything guest ready. Once that was sorted, I headed down the Glen to meet with the other managers. With such a busy week ahead, it felt like a team huddle before a big game, comparing notes, anticipating challenges and making sure we were ready for the days to come.

Wednesday

The hotel was buzzing with two events: a small wedding and a shoot. My morning started with the breakfast shift, where I had the lovely chance to chat with guests, including the bride and groom in that magical pre-wedding glow. Afterwards, we transformed the function space for the ceremony and dressed the decking outside for post-vows celebrations.

The kirk hosted the ceremony, and once the couple said their “I do’s”, we whisked away lanterns and greenery, repurposing them to make the function room glow for the meal. Meanwhile, a shoot party arrived, and we set them up in the bar for their pre-shoot dinner and evening party. Later, once the newlyweds had finished their meal, we led them and their guests into the Bothy, where music and warmth created the perfect atmosphere for a wee party. By nightfall, the hotel was alive with dual celebrations: shooters in the bar and wedding joy in the Bothy - vibrant, joyful chaos.

Thursday

Breakfast was a juggling act: the shoot crew in one of the dining areas of the hotel, wedding guests in the restaurant, regular guests in the bar, and a university group in the barn. My post this morning was in the barn, looking after the university delegation. They were fascinating to chat with, filling the space with workshops, facts and clever ideas.

By lunchtime, the pace eased a little as the wedding guests departed, leaving just the bride and groom for one last day of celebration. Still, there was no shortage of energy - the shoot crew came back for lunch, and the bar filled with chatter. In the middle of it all, Environmental Health made their annual surprise inspection, which we passed smoothly.

The afternoon rolled on with coffees and cakes for the university group before the shoot returned for their evening meal and wrapped up their stay. That night, the barn transformed again, this time into a ceilidh dance floor. The university group ate, laughed and filled the space with music and energy, finishing the day on a high.

Friday

The university group tucked into a buffet breakfast before heading out on a hill walk, leaving the barn empty and ready for its next transformation: Saturday’s wedding. We spent the day setting up, carefully arranging the room exactly to the couple’s vision, laying out chairs for their indoor ceremony, and partitioning the dining space with dividers.

Later, I hosted a show round for a new couple, walking them through the barn and discussing their dream day. As the evening arrived, the current wedding couple welcomed their guests for a pre-wedding BBQ in the marquee. We gathered for a quick run-through of Saturday’s plans, making sure every detail was locked in and ready to go.

Saturday

Wedding days always bring a special buzz. The morning was a flurry of arrivals; the florist, cake, humanist and the piper - all adding their touch to the big day. One of the best parts of my role is wedding coordination: being the quiet presence behind the scenes, ensuring everything runs smoothly so the couple can simply enjoy their moment.

The weather teased us with grey skies, but the couple managed to steal some outdoor photos before the rain swept in. Our team maintained a steady flow of service, ensuring guests enjoyed the welcoming Clova hospitality we’re known for. Once dinner was finished, we transformed the room for the night’s celebrations. By the time management staff could finally slip away, we enjoyed a well-earned drink or two - a small toast to another wedding pulled off with heart.

Sunday

Sundays have their own rhythm: breakfast service, farewells to the wedding guests, and then a shift into show rounds. This week, I had three new couples, full of excitement, eager to share their vision and tour the facilities. Those conversations always feel like planting the first seeds of a story.

By late afternoon, it was paperwork time. After a whirlwind week of two weddings, a photo shoot, a university delegation, and our regular guests, the admin side needed some attention. I caught up on reports and notes, determined to start Monday fresh. The hotel finally quieted down around me, the buzz of the week fading into calm, leaving me ready to begin it all again.