ESTONIAN SAUNA DIPLOMACY
On 12 September the Estonian Embassy together with Enterprise Estonia hosted a unique Estonian sauna reception against the backdrop of the picturesque Cameron House on Loch Lomond in Scotland.
The idea to introduce Estonian saunas to the Scots originated with Estonian Honorary Consul in Glasgow, Philip Barlow, who wanted people in Scotland to experience a quality Estonian sauna.
The team at the Estonian Embassy did not need much convincing having previously organised several events to promote sauna culture in London, including their independence day reception with a winter swim and sauna in Hyde Park. Additionally, the Embassy had also held get-togethers at the Ambassador’s iglusauna at his official residence, and participated at events held by the British Sauna Society. The success of these gatherings proved that there is a large interest in this field.
At the embassy’s B2B event in Scotland there were four Estonian companies showcasing their outstanding products and design: ÖÖD, Iglucraft, Haljas and DecNord. The saunas were not only on display, but guests were offered an opportunity to experience the sauna heat for themselves, and afterwards they could cool down in upcycled old Spanish Olsosoro whisky casks from local distilleries.
“My love and personal passion for Estonia and all things sauna related, combined with my medical background highlights the importance of saunas and ice exposure for optimising your health,” said Honorary Consul Barlow.
"According to my Estonian friends, there is no sauna without 'leil' in Estonian sauna culture. This Estonian word refers to the steam generated by pouring water onto hot rocks on a sauna, which has many health benefits. It cleanses the skin and increases heart rate," he added.
Guests enjoyed networking and the various wellness activities while listening to Estonian and Scottish music. Light-hearted accordion tunes alternated with bagpipes played by the Inverary & District Pipe Band.
The sauna reception was attended by around 100 guests from Scottish real estate developers to hoteliers to sauna promoters and architects. And everyone exiting the sauna after experiencing the ’leil’ had a broad smile on their face.
Photographs by Stuart Wood