SWG3 LODGES PLANS FOR NEW HOTEL FOR CREATIVES

SWG3, in partnership with transformational architects StallanBrand, aims to bring a new multipurpose hotel for creatives to Glasgow’s Clydeside. They plan not only to redevelop and improve currently disused land, but introduce a unique hub building on the success of the current venue, SWG3, which plays host to a range of international gigs, outdoor festivals and creative events. The aim is also to have the hotel run by the community and for the community.

SWG’s two founding partners, Andrew Fleming-Brown and Andrew Mickel have already transformed a group of derelict buildings into well respected cultural venue with the ambitious hotel expansion just the next step on their journey.

Hotelier Bruce Robertson, is joining the dynamic duo. He brings over 25 years of international experience in the design, development and operation of lifestyle hotels and private members clubs. He was former MD of Standard Hotel in London, GM at the Shoreditch Hotel, he also worked with Ken McCulloch for many years opening his Dakota Hotels.

The hotel, which is expected to openin late 2026, will have 139-bedrooms and also feature two restaurants, two bars, co-working spaces, a gym and movement studio, and a rooftop terrace.

SWG3 is already well known for its commitment to sustainability and the plans for the hotel embrace that from construction right through to everyday use once open, waste reduction and energy efficiency are embedded in the plans.

Andrew Mickel, SWG3 Director, said, “Our vision for the SWG3 hotel is to deliver a brand new welcoming space for all creative souls to stay. A unique new location for nurturing art, music and creative magic wrapped in cutting edge design. Since transforming the galvanizers’ yard and disused warehouses into one of the country’s most talked about arts venues, the SWG3 team have continued to invest heavily in the community, and this project will be no different. We hope to not only deliver economic growth for the Clydeside,Yorkhill and Glasgow as a whole, but prove that good business can be sustainable and socially conscious as well as simply great fun.”

Paul Stallan, Stallan-Brand Creative Director, added, “Our aim is to deliver a hotel like no other. The SWG3 cultural venue defies being categorised, it’s a cultural polymath and phenomenon. From performance, live music, theatre through to major visual arts events, SWG3 has become Scotland’s go to destination. Whether Scottish Opera or a Comme des Garçons guerrilla store, through to the First Minister learning the art of graffiti, the location has attracted industry and sector accolades for its enterprise and creative spirit. To accelerate this unique offer that unites art, fashion and music we aim to deliver a hotel experience that is more Glasgow than Glasgow.”

Maclaurin Takes Over At The Royal Hotel

The 54-bedroom Royal Hotel in Ullapool, overlooking the West Highlands town’s harbour, has been sold to local operator Alan MacLaurin, who also owns the Harbour House in the town.

Property consultant Graham + Sibbald, which concluded the sale following a “confidential marketing campaign” of what it described as “one of the premier luxury hotels in the Scottish Highlands”, said the “sale price and details are undisclosed”.

Peter Seymour, a director with Graham + Sibbald, said, “This is one of a number of hotel sales we have completed under a confidential marketing campaign recently. The buyers are a local operator who we know intend to invest in the hotel and drive the business to new highs. We wish them all the best with their excellent purchase.”

The 54-bedroom hotel, with restaurant, public bar and a function suite, overlooks the Ullapool Harbour and picturesque mountains beyond, was originally a coaching inn. It is arranged over two principal floors, with lovely balconies decorating the first floor around the front façade of the property overlooking the harbour..

Cruising Into The Top 10

Fingal, the Leith-based floating hotel, has comfortably cruised into the Top 10 of Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards 2023 for Best of the Best Small Hotels in the UK.

The 2023 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards are based on the quality and quantity of traveller reviews and ratings posted on TripAdvisor over the 12-month period from 1st January to 31stDecember 2022.

In guest reviews, the restaurant and concierge service were the most frequently mentioned highlights of a stay on Fingal.

Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best are awarded to less than 1% of Tripadvisor’s 8 million listings.

Commenting on Fingal’s continued award success, General Manager, Andrew Thomson, said,