CROSSBASKET CASTLE PLOWS AHEAD WITH £15 EXPANSION PLAN

An ambitious £15 million expansion plan for Crossbasket Castle will be managed by Inverlochy Castle Management International (ICMI) following the news it has has extended its management agreement with the five-star hotel.

ICMI has overseen the management of the Crossbasket Castle since it opened in 2015 at High Blantyre and has recently appointed Graeme Green as managing director of the hotel. He moved from Cromlix, owned by Andy and Kim Murray, who after a decade under ICMI management, decided to run the hotel themselves.

Green’s move to Crossbasket is the third management role he has held with ICMI –firstly at Inverlochy Castle, then as general manager of Cromlix and now as managing director of Crossbasket Castle.

His new role includes overseeing the expansion, which once complete will triple Crossbasket Castle’s capacity. Plans for the property include a new 40-bedroom hotel, a modern restaurant and events space along with two five-bedroom eco-friendly cottages and two spa cottages each with three dedicated treatment rooms. The first guests are expected to be welcomed in summer 2024.

Steve Timoney and Alison Reid-Timoney said, “We’re so pleased to extend our management agreement with ICMI for a further decade. This is reflective of the exemplary support we’ve received over the years, with the team becoming a trusted partner and consultant helping us to breathe new life into the castle, which was once listed on Scotland’s Buildings at Risk Register.

“We can think of no better team to help us embark on the next chapter of Crossbasket Castle’s long-term growth, with the experienced Graeme Green at the helm.”

Norbert Lieder, managing director of Inverlochy Castle Management International (ICMI), added, “We’ve worked closely with Crossbasket Castle since it opened eight years ago, helping to establish its presence among Scotland’s finest locations and ensure an unforgettable experience for all guests.

“We’re extremely proud to continue this successful relationship by extending our agreement for a further ten years and appointing Graeme Green as managing director. Our existing experience coupled with Graeme’s passion and enthusiasm will help transform the castle into a dedicated tourism destination with a variety of activities and experiences available on its doorstep.”

Once complete, the hotel and venue will have capacity for an additional 35,000 visitors each year and provide over 50 jobs for the local area with an economic boost to the South Lanarkshire economy of £1.2m annually..

Radisson RED owner acquires The North Rotunda.

Forrest Hotels, the group owned by entrepreneur Chris Trainer, and which also ownes the Radisson Red in Glasgow, has bought Glasgow’s North Rotunda. The iconic domed structure sits directly facing the group’s Radisson Red within the SEC Campus, with both buildings forming key parts of the famous skyline which characterises the area.

A Forrest Hotels Ltd spokesman said, “We are thrilled to confirm that we have added The North Rotunda to our portfolio. This exciting acquisition of a historic structure was a major goal as part of our long-term strategy and further enhances our footprint within the SEC Campus.

“Immediately adjacent to our flagship hotel, the beautifully iconic Rotunda building and its perfectly-placed car park will provide exciting opportunities for us as a business and for our hotel’s guests.”

The North Rotunda has operated as The Cranside Kitchen since 2020 and was run by Kevin Campbell and Toni Carbajosa. The two have also just closed Roberta’s.