Conferences, retreats and training events

“There is nothing that takes the place of a physical meeting in a warm and comfortable environment.”
– Timelanders Writers Team

Located not too far from Glasgow, in the beautiful countryside of Darvel, Gowanbank is a fully equipped and spacious building perfect for Christian conferences, retreats and training days which can accommodate up to 50 guests. If you are looking for a residential stay, we have 10 en-suite bedrooms offering space and comfort as well as a high standard kitchen for meals, snacks and drinks.

Our centre has meeting spaces to meet the varied needs and preferences of our visitors including the main meeting room, living room, games room and smaller spaces such as the warm and light turret room great for focus and reflection. The bright and spacious meeting room is equipped with two screens which can be connected to laptops, a whiteboard and 50+ comfortable chairs.

We also have WiFi for use throughout the building which is available to our guests.

Our well equipped kitchen and dining room run by the centre’s staff and volunteers offers home cooked meals and freshly made bakes to cater for the needs of the guests visiting the centre. We understand the value of a good cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit or bake!  If you prefer to self-cater, our commercial standard kitchen can be used for this purpose during your stay.

There are multiple spaces outdoors on the centre grounds where our outdoor seating can be used, including our covered fire pit area which looks out to the stunning hills at the back of Darvel, allowing you to meet or rest outdoors and get some fresh air.

The centre grounds provides ample parking and the building offers good accessibility with access to a ramp and open spaces inside, including a wheelchair accessible ground floor room and bathroom.

The closest bus stop is a 5 minute walk from Gowanbank which has regular services to Kilmarnock where you can find a variety of shops and convenient links to the train station and onward bus services.

During breaks there is plenty of space to wander through the trees and the beautiful grounds of Gowanbank. There are also local walks nearby providing opportunity to see the natural beauty that surrounds the centre, including the Lanfine Estate which has multiple circular walks along the river, through the woods and past a wild boar enclosure and historic parts of Darvel.

Read on to hear how some of our regular visitors have used the building for their training and conferences:

‘Cornhill Scotland has been using Gowanbank SU Centre for our Pastors’ Training Course residential study week for the past three years. Our group typically numbers around 25 adults, and the centre provides ample space for social interaction, relaxation, and comfortable dormitory accommodation for a group of this size.

The purpose of the study week is to help new students get to know those already enrolled on the course and to introduce our study module for the coming semester. Most of our time is spent in teaching sessions, and the conference room is excellent for this purpose. In addition, there are several other rooms available for smaller group work and discussions. Dedicated time is also set aside for fellowship and prayer together.

Gowanbank SU Centre is set in beautiful surroundings, with plenty to do outdoors and many opportunities to enjoy the surrounding countryside, including walks and access to local facilities. The centre is easily accessible from Glasgow and Edinburgh, with students able to arrive by car or by train to nearby Kilmarnock.

The staff are friendly, extremely helpful, and always willing to assist. The food, prepared by centre staff and volunteers, is excellent, with plenty of wholesome meals provided for the group. The home-made baking served at coffee times and in the evenings is always very much appreciated.

Overall, the facilities, dormitories, welcoming staff, and beautiful location make Gowanbank SU Centre an ideal venue for our Pastors’ Training Course study week.’

-Cornhill Pastor’s Training

Cornhill Pastor’s Training Course

‘The Scottish Women in Ministry Network has used Gowanbank for our conference for several years. It’s been an excellent venue for us to use as we create a time for women to connect with others in similar roles across the country. The different rooms have meant we can have teaching times as a whole group, discussions in smaller groups and time for individual reflection. We have found the staff to be very accommodating and welcoming. They work hard to make our time there as beneficial as possible.’

– The Scottish Women in Ministry

Do you have a conference, retreat or training event which Gowanbank could help you with?

Whether its a conference, training event for a day or two or a retreat set in the calm of our centre surrounded by woodland, Gowanbank is set up to adapt to what you need for your event.

If you would like to find out more about the centre and availability, contact us here for more information and bookings:

Contact us

Tel: 01560 323 370

Email: gowanbank@suscotland.org.uk

We look forward to hearing from you!