Star-Studded Stays: A Look at the High-Profile Visitors Gracing Perthshire’s Iconic Gleneagles Hotel in the 2020s

Gleneagles Hotel, a jewel in Perthshire’s crown, has long captivated the world’s most prominent figures. Throughout its storied century-plus existence, this prestigious establishment has served as an exclusive retreat, drawing in heads of state, cinematic luminaries, and musical icons. Its strategic central Scottish location, coupled with world-class championship golf courses, makes it an irresistible magnet for the discerning and famous.
Historically, the hotel has been a backdrop for significant events, such as the memorable state dinner hosted by the Queen during the 2005 G8 Summit. More recently, Gleneagles continues its tradition of attracting high-profile personalities, with a new generation of stars choosing the luxurious estate for their Scottish getaways. These recent visits not only highlight the hotel’s enduring appeal but also underscore Perthshire’s status as a coveted destination for those seeking both privacy and unparalleled hospitality. Global Icons Embrace Perthshire Charm
One of the most talked-about recent visitors was the Canadian pop sensation, Justin Bieber. His unexpected appearance in Tayside earlier this month caused quite a stir, with local speculation initially linking him to the Dunhill Links Championship. However, it was revealed that the singer was enjoying a relaxing round of golf with friends at Gleneagles. Documenting parts of his stay on social media, Bieber even shared a captivating video of himself playing a piano in the hotel’s elegant Ballroom event space, adding a touch of musical magic to his visit. Beyond the tranquil confines of Gleneagles, he also ventured out for evenings in the vibrant towns of St Andrews and Dundee, experiencing more of what the region has to offer.
Another music legend, Liam Gallagher, reportedly chose Gleneagles as his base during Oasis’s Edinburgh concerts in August. For local resident Jonathan Dunn from Auchterarder, this meant a dream come true. He encountered Gallagher while strolling the hotel grounds, describing the encounter as incredibly friendly, especially when the rock icon posed for a photograph with him and his son, Harrison. This echoes Oasis’s earlier connection to the venue, having performed for music executives at the hotel back in 1994, just prior to the release of their seminal debut album, ‘Definitely Maybe.’ The hotel evidently holds a special place in the band’s history.
Irish Boyzone star Ronan Keating also celebrated a significant family milestone at Gleneagles in March, marking his eldest son Jack’s birthday. Keating shared glimpses of their lavish experience on social media, including a delightful dinner at The Birnam restaurant, where Jack was surprised with a birthday cake. The father-son duo’s activities extended to watching a rugby game, further illustrating the diverse recreational offerings available at the estate. Sports Stars and Socialites Find Sanctuary
The allure of Perthshire also extended to the tennis world when Emma Raducanu, the acclaimed British tennis star, found a temporary home at Gleneagles. Her visit coincided with the high-profile Dior Cruise 2025 fashion show, spectacularly staged at the historic Drummond Castle. This event attracted a constellation of A-list celebrities, including Hollywood heavyweights Jennifer Lawrence and Anya Taylor-Joy, alongside British pop icon Geri Horner. Raducanu shared her admiration for ‘beautiful Scotland’ on Instagram, posting footage of her stay, which notably featured a refreshing run past one of the hotel’s picturesque golf courses, showcasing the stunning natural beauty surrounding the resort.
Footballing royalty also checked into Gleneagles recently, with England hero Wayne Rooney and his wife Coleen sharing moments from their stay last month. Their visit included a dinner with former Manchester United teammates Michael Carrick and Darron Gibson, highlighting the hotel’s appeal as a gathering spot for high-profile figures. Rooney’s social media post conveyed his enjoyment of ‘brilliant few days in Scotland with great company.’ The presence of such sporting figures even provided a memorable moment for disabled golfer Olli Ingram, who described meeting the players as ‘surreal.’
Boxing’s ‘Gypsy King,’ Tyson Fury, is another regular guest, frequently seen at Gleneagles with his wife, Paris. His stays have even featured on his Netflix series, ‘At Home with the Furys,’ where he recounted a humorous anecdote about a past encounter with TV presenter Chris Tarrant in a hotel lift, a claim Tarrant later playfully dismissed. Fury’s recent visits to the area, including one with his father John earlier this year, underscore the family’s affection for the Perthshire retreat.
Adding to the list of famous patrons, music legend Sir Rod Stewart graced Gleneagles with his presence last year, reportedly leaving a generous £10,000 tip for the staff. The ‘Sailing’ singer, accompanied by his wife Penny Lancaster and sons Alastair and Aiden, celebrated after his beloved Celtic football team secured a victory against Rangers. An insider quoted Rod as joking that the staff should ‘stick the lot on Scotland to win the Euros,’ praising the hotel’s exceptional service. This act of generosity and appreciation further cements the hotel’s reputation for world-class hospitality.
Television personality Olivia Attwood, known for her roles on ‘Loose Women’ and ‘This Morning,’ also regularly frequents Gleneagles, a place she has visited since childhood. In June, the former ‘Love Island’ contestant shared glimpses of her stay with her footballer husband, Bradley Dack, and their two dogs. Attwood expressed her deep affection for the hotel, describing it as ‘one of those genuinely special places’ where she, a self-proclaimed ‘neurotic type,’ genuinely finds a sense of relaxation amidst the tranquil surroundings.
Interestingly, a persistent rumour has circulated since 2024 involving global superstars David and Victoria Beckham. The story suggests that the celebrity couple allegedly compensated another pair to reschedule their booking, thereby securing exclusive access to Gleneagles. This tale, which includes a dramatic claim about the Beckhams paying off a mortgage, has made its way to numerous local journalists. While the hotel has maintained a stance of not commenting on guests or ‘urban myths,’ similar stories involving other prestigious Scottish locations like Carnoustie and Loch Lomond have also emerged over the years, contributing to the mystique surrounding high-profile visits to Scotland’s luxury resorts.

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