Celebrating team spirit at our summer day out

Although our office is based in Leith, most of us work remotely and are spread throughout Scotland and the rest of the UK. Back in September, we got the chance to meet up in person at the Storm ID summer day out at Winton Castle in Pencaitland.

I’m based in York, so the event was a brilliant, rare opportunity to meet my colleagues face-to-face and get to know them better. The focus of the day was about celebrating our Storm team, socialising and having fun without our usual workday commitments.

A warm welcome

Our office manager, Stuart, organised travel and accommodation for me, making it a hassle-free experience. I even had the chance to enjoy some great Scottish scenery during the 2.5 hour train journey up to Edinburgh. Everyone gathered at the office, from where we were bussed to Winton Castle.

Upon arrival, we were welcomed with tea and coffee in a beautiful private garden area. It was great to see everyone mingling, with lots of people meeting each other face-to-face for the first time. To add to the delight, we were joined by two furry guests, Trio and Jasper.

Fun and games

Winton Castle hosted a variety of activities for us. I chose to try archery, which I really enjoyed. Our instructor gave us one-to-one instructions, and with enough practice, I felt like Katniss Everdeen. Meanwhile, some of my colleagues participated in the Highland Games, and it was comical watching them attempt to throw bags of hay and toss cabers.

After all our activities, we were treated to a fantastic lunch spread and spent the remainder of the afternoon socialising with our colleagues.

Foodie heaven

The barbecue was nothing short of spectacular, offering a wide range of food and drinks. Dietary specifications, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, were considered, with delicious alternatives provided.

The barbecue steak was divine, and I absolutely went back for seconds. As a foodie, it was definitely the highlight of the day. The abundance of food meant everyone was well-fed, and the quality of it made me incredibly happy.

A happy work culture

It was wonderful to see my colleagues, some for the very first time! It’s great to be part of a company that places high value on human connection and proactively dedicates effort and resources to nurturing a happy work culture.

Given that we spend a significant part of our lives working, our workplace environment has a huge impact on our overall lives and sense of identity. Knowing that I work for a company that cares about me, not just in my role as a digital consultant but also as an individual, truly makes me feel appreciated.