We’re so excited to welcome you to the field for Comms Unplugged 2025. Here’s the lowdown on what to expect and once you’ve snagged your ticket there’ll be more details as we approach the event.
Venue, dates and timings
Our venue for 2025 is Auchengillan Outdoor Centre, Blanefield, a 120 acre estate within easy reach of Glasgow and Edinburgh and major transport networks. With direct access to the West Highland Way, a 96 mile walking trail from Fort William to the suburbs of Glasgow, and views of the Ochil Hills and Ben Lomond.
Comms Unplugged will take place on Thursday 4 and Friday 5 September. We’ll welcome you from mid-morning on Thursday with an inspiring programme of speakers, workshops and wellbeing activities throughout the day. There’ll be time to relax, socialise and connect with other Unpluggers under the stars on Thursday evening before staying over in the camping field. We’ll continue the programme on Friday morning before we finish and say Goodbye at lunchtime.
Getting there – location, travel and parking
Auchengillan is within easy reach of Glasgow.
It is around a 15-minute drive from Milngavie, 30 minutes from Central Glasgow, 40 minutes from Stirling and 1hr 30 minutes from Edinburgh.
Parking is available at the venue although this will be shared with other guests using the venue. We encourage Unpluggers to car share wherever possible to reduce emissions and parking congestion.
If you’re coming by public transport, Milngavie is the closest station with regular trains from Glasgow Queen Street connecting to services from across Scotland and the rest of the UK. The venue can be reached by taxi from the station and if possible, we will try to match up Unpluggers to taxis or arrange lifts with those coming by car. Email us on commsunplugged@gmail.com and we will do our best to connect you with other Unpluggers.
The programme
Comms Unplugged is an event like no other with its unique combination of professional development and wellbeing.
We’ll be revealing details on the programme over the coming weeks, so stay tuned!
Comms Unplugged is a CPD accredited event with CIPR, so don’t forget to log your attendance as evidence of your continuing commitment to self-development.
Sleeping
One of the things that makes Comms Unplugged so special is that we invite Unpluggers to stay over ‘in the field’ to truly switch off from day-to-day distractions and spend time together sharing experiences and ideas and a good old chat under the stars.
It’s a back-to-basics experience in a camping field, so you’re encouraged to bring your tent, sleeping bag and all other camping essentials to camp out at the venue.
If sleeping under canvas really isn’t for you, there is an alternative option of requesting a bed in one of the shared camping cabins in the field. Please be aware that these are not luxury glamping pods, but basic, dorm-style hobbit huts and you will be sharing with others. You’ll still need your own sleeping bag/bedding and pillow.
We have 20 beds available and will arrange for some female/male only cabins. If you would like to request a bed in a cabin, please email us at commsunplugged@gmail.com once you have booked your ticket.
Campervans are not permitted on the camping field at Auchengillan.
If neither of those options float your boat, there are plenty of hotel and B&B options nearby in Milngavie and Glasgow you can book under your own steam. Please note that the ticket price (which we think you’ll agree is very reasonable) is the same whether you stay over or not.
Eating
Your ticket price includes food, tea and coffee throughout the event. We will provide lunch and dinner on Thursday and breakfast on Friday morning. Coffee/Tea will also be provided throughout.
We’ll be using primarily local suppliers and will cater for dietary requirements. Please let us know any specific requirements you have when you fill in our registration form nearer the time.
Alcohol is not included. You are welcome to bring a few drinks for the evening if you wish. Please be aware that the venue may have other guests, including children, so we will be asking everyone to be respectful and keep the noise down.
WIFI
If you hadn’t gathered already, Comms Unplugged is all about switching off so all workshops and sessions will be run offline.
To make the most of Comms Unplugged we encourage everyone to take the opportunity to disconnect (unless it’s an emergency of course). We guarantee you’ll feel the benefit!
We do encourage people to take pictures and share their experience online AFTER the event through social media and Comms Unplugged WhatsApp groups which have built up a strong and supportive community over the years.
Dogs
While we know many of our Unpluggers have furry friends, unfortunately dogs are not permitted at our venue for 2025. Just think of the snuggles you’ll get on your return!
What to bring
We’ll be providing a detailed kit list for Unpluggers once you have registered but this will include all the usual things you would take for camping.
We try to keep waste to a minimum, particularly plastic, so we do ask you to bring your own plate, cup, cutlery as well as camping gear if possible.
Please keep in mind that this is Scotland in September,so we encourage you to be prepared for every type of weather…and embrace it!
Facilities on site
We’ll be using the camping field and cabins at Auchengillan which has a toilet and shower block beside it.
Workshops and wellbeing activities will take place in a marquee or outside (weather permitting).
When you arrive
You’ll be welcomed by our organising team and given your Comms Unplugged welcome pack on arrival.
You can either pitch your tent straightaway or during one of the breaks. Don’t worry there will be plenty of time. If you need a hand, there will be people on hand to help you out either from the organising team or another Unplugger. We’re a friendly bunch!
We’ll be updating this page with more details as we get closer to the event and keep an eye on your emails for more information.
CU in the field!
