GM’S ON THE SPOT

Alan Mcguiggan

General Manager

PRESTONFIELD HOUSE, EDINBURGH

How did you begin your career?

I have always loved being around people so hospitality was the perfect industry for me. I started my career at Belfast Castle in Northern Ireland before I moved to read Business Studies at Edinburgh Napier University. I then worked in a number of the city’s hotels before I joined James Thomson at The Witchery as Duty Manager and then Senior Manager before I moved to Prestonfield House.“

Who has been the biggest influence in your career?

I’ve learnt – and continue to learn – so much for James Thomson. He is passionate about providing a truly unique and memorable experience to our guests whether they are staying with us or visiting Rhubarb (the hotel’s in-house restaurant.) He is also a philanthropist who supports a number of charities including Springboard and The Prince’s Trust.

What are your hobbies?

I love to eat out in restaurants in Edinburgh. I am also an avid rugby fan, and support Edinburgh and Scotland now – as I’ve lived here for 35 years. So when it’s Ireland versus Scotland, it is a lose-lose game for me!

What has been your biggest challenge?

My biggest challenge was leaving my widowed mother and my sister in Northern Ireland to move to Edinburgh for my studies. It was very tricky not knowing anyone when I first arrived in Scotland.

What has been your proudest moment?

My wife and I would both say that our identical twin daughters, who have just turned eighteen, have given us most of our proudest moments.

What does the future holdl?

We are looking forward to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, as we are working on a special partnership – so watch this space! Sustainability is incredibly important to us and this year we will be working on enhancing our programmes and offerings. We will be planting more in our kitchen garden, and working towards being a more conscious establishment. We have recently joined PoB Hotels, and are very much looking forward to working with the group. .

FIONA MCLEAN GENERAL MANAGER THE PIERHOUSE, PORT APPLIN

What has been your career path to date?

I didn’t choose this as a career option but started by working part-time to support myself through university. It wasn’t until I started working for a large resort that I was inspired to follow it as a career path. It is an addictive industry with such a strong sense of teamwork and camaraderie.

I have worked in the hospitality industry for the past 20 years in bars, restaurants, luxury hotels. I joined The Pierhouse in October 2018 prior to that I spent a year managing The Barras Art and Design Centre (BAaD), a multi-event space and restaurant space in Glasgow. Previously, I spent 5 years at Cameron House Hotel on Loch Lomond.

Who has been the biggest influence in your career?

Early in my career Paul Mooney, who I worked with at Cameron House, he now heads up the Glasgow and Dundee Apex Hotels. He was the first manager that I came across who was truly a people person. He invested time in getting to know his team, gave them the tools to be successful, and instilled a ‘want’ to work for him ethic. He had a great management style, which while professional was also really great fun!

Gordon Campbell Gray, Founder of The Wee

Hotel Company, has guided and supported me in our mission to challenge the perception of hospitality as an industry and a career.

What do you do in your spare time?

I love spending a day off cooking something epic, whilst listening to music. I collect cookbooks, my current obsession is Ixta Belfrage ‘s book Mezcla; the spicy prawn lasagne is sensational; I could eat it on repeat. Taking our miniature poodle pup Scapa, to the beach for a run-around with my partner David is also a great way to reset my mind after work. I started cold water swimming during lockdown, and I’m able to swim directly in front of the hotel on Loch Linnhe.

I also go travelling, adventuring and exploring – it is my go-to way to relax. Recent highlights have included trips to Foyers Lodge, Ballintaggart, Kilmartin Castle, and The Taybank – all beautifully stylish places run by genuinely lovely people. I also enjoy eating out in Glasgow at the likes of Crabshakk, The Ubiquitous Chip and Ka Pao on rotation.

What is the biggest obstacle you have faced?

Watching my mum deteriorate after beinging