Hotel Scotland 048 2023

HOTELSCOTLAND 048

ISSN 2515-8287

INTERVIEW:

JONATHAN DOHERTY WORQ GROUP FOCUS ON THE NEW VIRGIN HOTELS GLASGOW

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CONTENTS

4 NEWS 13 NAVIGATING PROCUREMENT IN 2024

L

WELCOME

ast month I caught up with Jonathan Doherty the dynamo behind the WORQ Group. His is an interesting story. See pages 16 onwards. He owns the LGBT Revolver Hotel in Glasgow as well as various other hotels and venues both in Scotland and England.

There certainly is no shortage of news - the industry may be facing challenges but there is plenty to write home about.

We have an industry article on what to consider when looking for finance and Alastair Roy has his usual Procurement column.

This issue we take a look at the fabulous Glasgow Virgins Hotel - it really is stunning.

The feature is on page 21.

Next month we take a look at the refreshed Radisson Blu and Lochgreen Hotel in Troon.

If you have a story you want us to cover get in touch.

Until next month.

Susan Young Editor

16

JONATHAN DOHERTY

15 A NEW OPPORTUNITY FOR HOTELIERS?

16 INTERVIEW:

JONATHAN DOHERTY

21 DESIGN:

VIRGIN HOTELS GLASGOW

26 APPOINTMENTS

30 HIGHLAND DINNER

22 IO

VIRGIN GLASGOW

30

HIGHLAND DINNER

HOTELSCOTLAND Published by Media World limited t: 07901 555950 e: news@mediaworldltd.com w: hotelmagazinescotland.co.uk

susan@mediaworldltd.com @hotel_scotland hotelmagazinescotland.co.uk

Editor: Susan Young Editorial: Nicola Young, Alastair Roy, Michelle Norman Advertising: Anne Campbell, Sylvia Forsyth, Kasia Richard Admin: Rebecca Orr

Subscriptions: HOTEL SCOTLAND is available by subscription at the rate of £52 per annum. The publishers, authors and printers cannot accept liability for errors or omissions. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the copyright holder and publisher, application for which should be made to the publisher. Articles published in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. © Media World Limited 2023. Printed by Stephens & George Print Group.

HOTELSCOTLAND • 3

NEWS

PLANS FOR £100M PRINCES ST HOTEL MOVES TO FINAL STAGE A £100m development proposal which focuses on the demolition of a 1970s structure previously occupied by Next, Zara, and Russell & Bromley on Princes Street, Edinburgh goes to the final stages of planning this month.

The proposal by developers Hunter REIM and Ruby Hotels have welcomed the support of council officers to-date for its plans to build a luxury 300-room Ruby Hotel. The final decision on this proposal, if endorsed, will put the expected opening of the hotel in 2026.

Julian Mors, group director of Ruby Hotels said, “We warmly welcome these recommendations and want to place on record our appreciation for the active engagement we’ve had from city planners and stakeholders throughout Edinburgh.”

The development process has been led

by UK property management company Hunter REIM and Andrew Moffat, managing director of Hunter REIM, said, “This has been one of the most complex planning applications on Princes Street for many years.

“We’ve worked very hard to ensure that the preservation and enhancement of the city centre has been at the heart of the development process, and we’re delighted to see that recognised by the Head of Planning.

“It’s a more challenging marketplace than when we first brought the proposals forward, but we’re still confident that this can help regenerate both Princes Street and the wider city centre area. We look forward to making it happen if the project gets the support of the elected members.”.

4 • HOTELSCOTLAND

CARNOUSTIE GOLF HOTEL SOLD TO INVESTOR CONSORTIUM The Carnoustie Golf Hotel and Spa has been acquired by MIJH Ltd, an investor consortium led by Max Herberstein and Paul Lisiak.

The hotel, which boasts 106 rooms, will undergo redevelopment but will continue to operate under the management of Bespoke Hotels.

Earlier this year, the Carnoustie Golf Links Management Committee had secured an option to purchase the hotel and in August, Angus Council approved the hotel’s redevelopment proposal.

The green light from the council also included the transfer of the land lease on which the hotel stands, paving the way for the deal with MIJH Ltd to be finalised. The exact financial details of the transaction remain confidential.

Michael Wells, the Chief Executive of Carnoustie Links, emphasised the committee’s long-term vision for Carnoustie, aiming to transform it into a top-tier,

sustainable golf destination, benefiting the local community and economy. He said, “We are working closely with Angus council on the next steps to advance this ambition further and help secure the return of The Open Championship to Carnoustie this decade.”

Echoing Wells’ sentiments, Max Herberstein of MIJH Ltd shared, “Carnoustie has a proud reputation as being one of the finest tests in golf anywhere in the world, and we are fully committed to making significant and positive improvements to the hotel for visitors and members of the local community alike.

“We look forward to working with Michael and the excellent team to secure the return of The Open to this wonderful venue.”

Carnoustie has been the host of The Open on eight occasions, with the latest event in 2018 seeing Francesco Molinari clinching the title..

CHECK OUT HOTELSCOTLAND-ONLINE.COM FOR REGULAR NEWS UPDATES

END OF AN ERA AS SEAMILL HYDRO CHANGES HANDS

T

he Sweeney family have sold their Seamill Hydro Hotel to the RAD Hotel Group, owned by Robert and Vivien Kyle.

The hotel will become the ninth venue in the group which already includes Lochside Hotel, Spa and Lodges in New Cumnock, Ayrshire; Dalmeny Park House Hotel in Barrhead, Hetland Hall Hotel in Dumfries and Galloway, The Carlton Hotel in Prestwick, The Royal Hotel in Cumnock as well as The Radstone Hotel in Lanarkshire.

Other venues to join the growing group in the last year include the Fairfield House Hotel in Ayr and the historic Brig o’Doon House Hotel in Alloway.

The Seamill Hydro Hotel has been under the leadership of the Sweeney family for more than three decades.

Sylvester Sweeney said, “Our family has decided that it is the right time to start a new chapter in our lives and to pass on the honour of being custodians of Seamill Hydro.

We know that the hotel will flourish under the leadership of the Kyle family who share so many of our values as well as our vision for the future of the hotel.”

Robert and Vivien said, “Not only are we delighted to be taking over from one family to another, but we are also proud to be adding another iconic Ayrshire based hotel to our prominent portfolio.

“Seamill Hydro could not be a better fit for us, with many similarities to our existing venues. RAD Hotel Group

has a passion for ensuring guest experience is top priority which aligns well with the current values at Seamill Hydro, we all look forward to continuing this impressive legacy built by The Sweeney Family.”

Sylvester Sweeney added, “During our time as custodians of Seamill Hydro we have enjoyed the highest highs, like the grand opening of the stunning Firth Pavilion. We have also endured the most agonising lows such as witnessing the closure of the hotel during the country’s fight against the pandemic. Our family has been honoured to share in the special moments of so many lives, thousands of weddings, countless birthdays and anniversaries and hundreds of proposals.

Lorraine, Steven, Marina, our parents Mary and Sylvester, the rest of the family and I would like to pay a special tribute to the truly wonderful team of people, both past and present that have dedicated themselves, many over decades, to support us and the hotel. The hard work and dedicationshown by so many people and the true passion to make the hotel the best it can possibly be, has been a constant inspiration and source of energy an.”

Robert & Vivien concluded, “We would like to say a huge thank you to The Sweeney Family for trusting us to carry on the legacy they have built so well over the years, and we wish them the very best in their new chapter.

The transaction was brokered by Christie & Co. .

MANORVIEW HOTELS & LEISURE GROUP ACQUIRE THE TARBET HOTEL

Manorview Hotels & Leisure Group has acquired the Tarbet Hotel in Arrochar in Argyll & Bute from Coast & Country Hotels.

The 68-bedroom hotel on the shores of Loch Lomond adds to their growing portfolio of hotels that includes the Brisbane House Hotel in Largs, which is due to undergo a renovation over the coming months, Bowfield Hotel & Spa in Howwood and Boclair House in Bearsden.

David Tracey, managing director of Manorview, said, “Manorview are delighted to be the new custodians of The Tarbet Hotel.

The venue is in such an iconic and beautiful part of Scotland, and we are excited to contribute to the growth and success of Argyll & Bute’s vibrant tourism sector.

“Our main priority is getting to know the hotel, the existing team, and our local communities and neighbours. And in time, as with all Manorview venues, we look forward to investing in this iconic property.”

The sale of the hotel was managed by Christie & Co’s Scottish hospitality team who are also marketing a further 33 leisurefocused hotels across England, Scotland, and Wales, on behalf of Coast & Country..

CROMLIX SET CREATE WELLNESS COTTAGE Cromlix House has applied for planning permission to Stirling Council to renovate a disused building in woodland surrounding the hotel into a ‘wellness cottage’.

The plans include a reception area, a treatment room and shower facilities and they say that the aim is to create a range of therapy treatments for visitors and guests.

The property will also be given a range of external improvements including new replacement windows, roof and render repairs.

A decision on the application is expected this month.

Highland Coast Hotels has launched a winter hideaway for groups of families and friends and, for the first time, Newton Lodge at Unapool near Kylesku Bridge is available for private hire for groups and their fourlegged friends.

The Lodge also benefits from a small library, table tennis/pool table, and a 16-inch record player for guests to listen to vinyl records. As well as self-catering options, the hotel is offering private chef services as well as half board a the nearby Kylesku Hotel.

HOTELSCOTLAND • 5

NEWS

HOUSE OF G

T

he House of Gods, which opens in the Merchant city in the New Year, has given a sneak peak of its rooms ahead of its opening this

Autumn.

Much like its Edinburgh counterpart, luxury is at the heart of the House of Gods experience, from hand-painted 24 karat-gold embellished de Gournay wallpaper in the lobby bar, to the marble fountain crowning the rooftop bar, and custom cashmere blankets in the rooms.

Occupying the corner of Glassford and Wilson Streets, guests can look forward to experiencing the brand’s signature extravagance and a new room category which comes complete with four poster bed and iconic golden bathtub, as well as two Presidential Suites on the hotel’s top floor.

It’s here that guests will be able to ‘party like they’re famous’, with private cinemas, expansive ensuites kitted out with twin baths and sprawling his and hers shower room, as well as the option to enjoy the whole floor if desired.

The new rooftop ‘Garden of Eden’ inspired restaurant and bar, will serve an all-day menu

of light bites, sharing plates, and cocktails.

Downstairs it will serve a casual dining menu throughout the day, transforming into a ‘glamorous cocktail party’ each evening.

Speaking about the opening, CEO Mike Baxter has said, ‘we couldn’t be more excited about opening our Glasgow location. It’s a place where everyone knows how to have a great time – and we’re here to treat each and every guest like the rockstar they are.

“Creating the ultimate escape here has been our main priority. In addition to offering services like early check-in and late check-out as standard, we have worked alongside incredible artists and craftspeople to create a destination which celebrates true extravagance.

“From working alongside Siobhan Mackenzie who has designed our team’s uniforms to creating a custom toile de jouy wallpaper designed by Gregory Lewis, who has previously worked with a multitude of key fashion brands including Chanel, Fendi, and Christian Louboutin to name just a few, I can’t wait to welcome our first guests in just a few weeks.”

Crerar Hotels named UK’s ‘Hotel Group of the Year’ at AA Hospitality Awards Crerar Hotels, which has a collection of four- and five-star properties across Scotland, has been awarded the title of ‘Hotel Group of the Year’ at the AA Hospitality Awards, the first time in four years that a Scottish business has received the title.

This category awards hospitality groups which have a proven track record of striving for the very best levels of accommodation, service and food across a variety of properties.

Crerar Hotels, headed by CEO Chris Wayne-Wills say that it has “emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic stronger than ever, investing significantly in its properties and people with hotels such as Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa, Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa, Glencoe Inn, Golf View Hotel & Spa and Balmoral Arms, all reimagined, repositioned and impressively upgraded.”

Chris Wayne-Wills, said, “Whilst Crerar Hotels and the individual hotels and inns have each received high recognition over the years, this award is incredibly special.

“The AA Hospitality Awards is one of the most important dates in the diary for this industry so to be recognised as a hotel group in one of the biggest categories of the year is terrific.

“It is a testament to the hard work, passion, and dedication of every team member across the business who bring our positioning and promise of warm, authentic hospitality to life.”

6 • HOTELSCOTLAND

BLACKFINCH PROPERTY COMPLETE £5.6M BRIDGING LOAN FOR NEW EDINBURGH HOTEL Blackfinch Property has completed a £5.6m bridging loan for the development of a new hotel in the heart of Edinburgh.

The 347-bed hotel project, which has planning permission, will redevelop three dilapidated mixed-use retail/office buildings on Princes Street, with views over Edinburgh castle, and will facilitate the purchase of a third adjacent property which will form part of the hotel development plan.

Nicola Mayes, Investment Manager at Blackfinch Property, said: “We are pleased to be funding this exciting project which will bring several vacant buildings back into use. The borrower’s plans for this project closely align with our own ESG principles of developing energy efficient property and improving the quality of existing buildings. We are also pleased to have been able to forge a new relationship with this borrower, and being able to contribute towards this project which has helped to develop and broaden our in-house legal expertise, and boost our presence in Scotland.”.

GODS GLASGOW UNVEILED

Pictures Jodie Mann

DALMAHOY BECOMES WARNER LEISURE’S 1ST SCOTTISH HOTEL Warner Leisure Hotels has announced two new acquisitions, and their first in Scotland, with the purchase of both the Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club, near Edinburgh, and The Forest of Arden Country Club in the West Midlands.

The 215 bedrooms Grade-A manor house which makes up Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club is set in over 1,000 acres, and includes two golf courses, two restaurants, two bars, a leisure club, tennis courts and conference facilities.

Bourne Leisure, owned by Blackstone-managed funds, has committed over £100 million in the acquisition and redevelopment of the two properties in what will be an extensive refurbishment programme ahead of their reopening as Warner Leisure branded hotels.

Paul Flaum, CEO, Bourne Leisure, commented, “We are delighted to add these two wonderful hotels to our portfolio, each with fantastic facilities and both in excellent locations, including our first ever hotel in Scotland. Our confidence in the future growth prospects of the company continues and we look forward to redeveloping the hotels to a high-quality signature Warner Leisure Hotels offering.

“The compelling brand and short break proposition, which includes entertainment, dining and daytime activities at the hotel, mean our guests continue to return to enjoy the unique experience that Warner Leisure Hotels offers. We very much look forward to introducing a whole new audience to the experience too.”

Prior to their relaunch under the Warner Leisure Hotels brand, Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club and Forest of Arden Country Club will continue to be independently managed under their current proposition..

SMITHS HOTEL AT GRETNA GREEN TO CREATE NEW £250K LOUNGE The Smiths Hotel at Gretna Green is due to start work on a £250,000 renovation to create a new lounge for the award-winning, family-owned wedding and tourist destination.

The hotel say that the new lounge will bring a modern and contemporary feel to the 4-star hotel and elevate the guest experience.

Construction work will be carried out by Cubby Construction Ltd, the family business who revamped the bar and lounge at Gretna Hall Hotel in January 2023. Work starts Monday 2nd October, with the new lounge set to open at the end of the month.

John Holliday, Executive Chairman of Gretna Green said: “This project signifies our eagerness to create a space that our guests will cherish.

We believe the new lounge will be a wonderful addition to Smiths Hotel, enhancing the overall experience for our guests.”.

The Scottish government has announced the set-up of an expert group to investigate whether sprinkler systems should be made compulsory when historic buildings are converted into hotels in Scotland following the fatal Cameron House Hotel fire in 2017.

The fatal accident inquiry held as a result of the fire heard that sprinkler systems could “significantly slow the spread of flame and would extend the margin of safety for available escape time”.

The expert working group, which follows on from short-life working group set-up after the inquiry, will “review the mandating of automatic fire suppression systems where historic buildings are being converted into hotels” as well as addressing “long-term measures on fire suppression and hidden voids and cavities”. The make-up of the group will be confirmed this month with the remit to be in place by the end of December.

The report issued by the short-life working group also means new measures are coming into place at the end of October which will mean that the Scottish government must be notified of future conversions of historic buildings which are to be used as hotel accommodation.

HOTELSCOTLAND • 7

NEWS

MAR HALL ENTERS ADMINISTRATION Mar Hall Golf and Spa Resort in Bishopton went into administration at the end of August. The resort will continue to trade on a business-as-usual basis pending a sale.

The resort, which boasts 52 bedrooms, a spa and an 18-hole golf course, first opened as a luxury hotel in 2004, following a £15 million investment. It currently employs a team of 118 staff.

In a statement, the administrators said that Andrew Dolliver, Kris Aspin and Joseph Luke Charleton, of EY-Parthenon’s Turnaround and Restructuring Strategy team were appointed as Joint Administrators on 22 August, and that hotel operators Michels & Taylor have been instructed to support the Joint Administrators in managing the Resort pending a sale.

It is expected that there will be significant interest in the business.

Crossbasket Castle wins AA Inspectors’ Choice 5 Red Stars Award Crossbasket Castle, part of Inverlochy Castle Management International (ICMI) global portfolio of luxury hotels, has been awarded an AA Inspectors’ Choice 5 Red Stars Award – the inspectors’ top rating for 20232024.

Crossbasket Castle opened its doors in May 2016, having been restored from the brink of ruin by owners Steve and Alison Timoney.

In May 2023, ICMI announced its extended management agreement with Crossbasket Castle, helping support the luxury hotel as it undergoes an ambitious £15 million expansion. Once complete, the hotel and venue will have the capacity for an additional 35,000 visitors each year and provide over 50 jobs for the local area.

The expansion is expected to deliver a projected

economic boost to the South Lanarkshire economy of £1.2m per annum and establish the region as a leading tourism destination.

Graeme Green, Managing Director of Crossbasket Castle, said, “We are delighted to have achieved an AA Inspectors Choice 5 Red Stars for 2023 to 2024. This prestigious award is a testament to the passion and dedication of everyone at Crossbasket Castle and all those involved in its redevelopment.

“We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved at Crossbasket Castle. The team and I are very excited about what is coming next and look forward to sharing more of the spectacular castle with local people and visitors from across the world.”

Dalata secures development site for new 153-room Edinburgh hotel Irish hotel group, Dalata, is expanding its presence in Scotland with the acquisition of a development site at 28 St. Andrew’s Square in Edinburgh.

The development site, which fronts onto St. Andrew’s Square, was acquired for a total consideration of £12.5 million, from Aviva Life & Pensions UK Limited and joins The Clayton Hotel Glasgow in the groups portfolio of European city hotels.

The site includes a Category A listed building which is currently vacant and approved for office use, with planning permission granted for an extension to both the rooftop and rear of the property.

The Group plans to submit a revised planning application in Q1 next year, enabling the construction of a new 4-star Clayton Hotel, which is expected to be completed by mid-2026.

Subject to a successful revised planning application the hotel will incorporate 153 bedrooms, a bar, restaurant, dry gym and two large meeting rooms with stunning period features on the first floor overlooking St. Andrew’s Square.

The overall investment in the project, including the site purchase, will be circa £48 million, with around 60 new employee positions when the hotel is operational.

The group say that the new hotel, as part of their sustainability

8 • HOTELSCOTLAND

strategy, will be one of their first to be designed to operate with zero on-site carbon emissions. As a conversion scheme, it will also have considerably lower embodied carbon than a new build.

Dermot Crowley, CEO, Dalata said, “Edinburgh has long been a target city for us to locate our brands and we are delighted to have secured such a prestigious building in the centre of the city. This will be our third hotel in Scotland.”

Shane Casserly, Corporate Development Director, Dalata added, “Edinburgh is one of the top performing hotel markets in Europe and we are delighted to secure a development site in such a prestigious location. Our development team has extensive experience and history in delivering complex projects, we look forward to collaborating with Edinburgh authorities, to deliver a flagship Clayton hotel with zero onsite operational carbon by mid-2026.”

Dalata Hotel Group plc, Ireland’s largest hotel operator, was founded in August 2007 and listed as a plc in March 2014. The Group’s portfolio includes 53 three and four-star hotels with 11,412 rooms and a pipeline of over 1,300 rooms. The Group currently has 32 owned hotels, 18 leased hotels and three management contracts and it operates Ireland’s two largest hotel brands, the Clayton and the Maldron Hotels..

HOTELSCOTLAND • 9

NEWS

Manorview launches first community hub

DORNOCH STATION HOTEL RE-OPENS

D

ornoch Station Hotel, now part of the Marine & Lawn brand owned

by US-based investor Adventurous Journeys (AJ) Capital Partners who bought the hotel last year, has completed its extensive renovation and has relaunched under a new name ‘Dornoch Station’ giving a nod to the original name, the ‘Station Hotel dating back to 1902.

Now featuring 89 spacious guest rooms and all new public spaces, the grounds are also home to a new putting green a a new restaurant and a new bar.

Led by AJ Capital’s in-house interior design team and inspired by the Scottish Highlands, hunting cabins, and lodges around Loch Ness, the lobby houses existing wood panelling as the design aimed to restore and celebrate the original design features.

Bar Ross, named after Dornoch native Donald Ross, the famous golf 10 • HOTELSCOTLAND

course architect, features natural colours with green tiles celebrating the golf lawn, and Royal Dornoch Golf Club tartan adorns the walls surrounding a snooker table. Bar Ross offers classic cocktails and a wide selection of whiskies, wines, and beers as well as Scottish bar snacks.

Championing seasonal ingredients and local suppliers,The Golden Gorse restaurant which takes its name from the local Sutherland gorse plant, is offering a seasonal, all day a-la-carte menu, afternoon tea and Sunday Roast menu.

Seaside themes can also be found across the hotel, with shell-shaped lighting installations and wood-carved lighthouse-shaped tables in the bedrooms.

The hotel joins its Marine and Lawn portfolio whose growing portfolio of Scottish properties includes Rusacks St Andrews, Marine North Berwick, and Marine Troon..

Manorview have this week launched their first community venue – offering the people of Coatbridge a safe place to stay warm, get some food and relax.

The Hub, based on main street in Coatbridge, is offering a holiday club for local children to come to during the October break and provides a warm and safe space with books, games, hot drinks, and a bite to eat.

It signifies a huge milestone for Manorview’s registered charity, Manorview Foundation, and is an important part of their organisation’s mission to make life better through hospitality.

Founder of Manorview Steve Graham said, “Though this is the very beginning of the work we want to deliver for communities, we’re delighted to have The Hub open.

It was previously a function and private events space that we operated, and after months of trying to get access to other public properties, we decided just to transform a space we already owned. It was vital to us that it felt warm and welcoming, and we hope it brings great comfort to the people of Coatbridge.”

The Hub has various zones in it to create a space that works for all people of all ages. A cosy lounge area has books and a TV, there’s an iPad station for getting online and playing games, an entertainment centre with tvs, Xbox and PlayStation, café-like area for having hot drinks and light meals, and a comfortable seating area to relax with a magazine and cuppa - no booking or payment is needed.

Manorview have covered the cost of creating The Hub so that the charity, Manorview Foundation, can use all funds raised to deliver vital community services. Some of Manorview’s partners also generously donated their time and expertise, including Everything Media, Sketch & Design, L11, Finishing Touches, Go Secure, and JC Upholstery – which the team at Manorview are extremely thankful for.

Though The Hub is the Foundation’s first dedicated property, additional activities to support local communities in other areas are planned. In December, kids Christmas parties with a meal, visit from Santa and gift are planned at eight other Manorview venues. This is something Manorview have previously delivered alongside kids charity Achieve More Scotland – but is now being delivered on a larger scale.

Mr Graham commented, “Our mission is to make life better through hospitality – having The Hub means we can bring the comfort and joy of hospitality to people who can’t afford to go to their local café or relax in a nearby restaurant.

We still have so much to achieve, but we feel fortunate that we can use our business experience, knowledge and resources to make a positive difference.”

Meanwhile the company has also revealed that its Brisbane Hotel in Largs is to close for a refurbishment, re-opening next Spring as an exclusive wedding and private events venue..

A compact robust charger that meets all your needs A hotel with Zaptec EV charging will appeal to a broader consumer

Zaptec EV Chargers: Quick Installation, Quality Hardware, Cost-Efficient, Excellent Safety

base and will enhance the hotel’s brand image. It represents their ethos on sustainability and forward planning for a net-zero future.

With OCPP (open charge point protocol), the Zaptec Pro works with a wide variety of software payment solutions that can integrate with our chargers. Hotel owners can bill guests for using the charging stations per hour or as part of a package deal.

Zaptec Pro gained its well deserved patent status for its unique

With the public’s swift uptake of electric vehicles (EVs), hotel

‘phase rotation’ capabilities ensuring the car receives the maximum

owners are having to keep up with the charge demands of EV drivers. As charging becomes a nesessity in the daily lives of EV drivers, stats have shown how more customers are choosing

available power as more guests plug-in and start charging. Many government grants are available to help hotel owners with the costs of installation.

hotels and destinations who offer an on-site solution.

Zaptec’s smart, fast charging, AC solution, the Zaptec Pro,

Scandinavian simplicity & reliability

allows hotels to offer their guests a simple and safe EV charging

Zaptec have been producing charging points since 2016 and have

experience while generating a revenue stream for the business.

supplied over 350,000 units with a reliability rate of 99.7%. Hotels can face WIFI issues, which means the charger can go offline. However,

Since launching to the UK market in 2020, Norwegian brand

the Zaptec Pro can be connected via a PLC module which provides a

Zaptec has established itself as the go-to manufacturer of high-

solid internet connection through an alternative form of a hardwired

quality EV chargers that look the part without breaking the bank.

connection – no additional cabling is required to the charge point(s)

Owning 50% of the market share in Norway, the leading country

other than the power cable to the unit, ideal for hotels in remote areas/

in the world for EV charging, it comes as no surprise that the

underground car parks.

chargers are a popular choice here in the UK amongst many hotel owners and private landlords.

The Zaptec Portal is also a usefull tool available to all hotel owners to manage the chargers remotely making it easy to see which chargers are being used and when.

Fast install & lead times The Zaptec Pro was developed to be quick and easy to install, saving time and money – and has been voted a favourite amongst installers in the UK. The 22kW AC commercial charger has a backplate which makes the charger scalable. This means you can wire up 1 - 100+ chargers at the same time, have all the disruptive work done once, utilise the grant, save money, and purchase the charging unit at a later date when you wish to scale up.

5-year Guarantee Zaptec is the only manufacturer to offer a 5 year guarantee on all of its products rather than the standard 1-3 year warranty of its competitors.

All Zaptec chargers are designed, engineered and manufactured in Norway, so there is no need to worry about the cold, rainy weather conditions, the Zaptec Pro has already been proven to work in the bitter chill of the Arctic Circle!

To top it all off, Zaptec was voted the safest EV charger with the best technology in 2022 by the NAF (Norwegian Automobile Federation).

zaptec.com/en-uk/

salesuk@zaptec.com

0808 175 4780 HOTELSCOTLAND • 11

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By Alastair Roy

For a sense check on how to optimise your supply chain and procurement processes within your business in 2024 contact alastair@aroprocurement.com www.aroprocurement.com

I

NAVIGATING PROCUREMENT IN 2024

t’s that time of year for many businesses with a financial year ending on 31st December when they are looking at budgets for the year ahead and how they can find ever greater efficiencies to improve profitability.

Irrespective of when your company’s financial year ends, now is a good time to consider how the rapidly evolving procurement landscape driven by sustainability and ESG (environmental, social, and governance ) essentials, progressive technology plus constantly shifting guest and customer expectations will impact your organisation.

Arguably procurement processes can be viewed as binary, with a focus on cost reduction and supplier management but that is an increasingly reductive viewpoint given the wide spectrum of influence procurement contributes towards.

Sustainability will continue to be a key anchor point in a well-considered procurement strategy for 2024, with an emphasis on sourcing goods and services from suppliers with demonstrable commitments to ethical, socially responsible and environmentally sound practices. This can include sourcing paper which is PEFC certified to ensure it originates from forests which are sustainably managed, switching to chemicals which are recognised by reputable eco-certification bodies and seeking out more locally sourced and organic food & beverage products for menus. All these factors will contribute to making a tangible difference, yielding multiple positive benefits including supporting the local economy and communities your business operates in, a reduced carbon footprint and providing guests with a more authentic experience during their visit.

The horrific and nightmarish goings on around the world have had and it seems will continue to have a yet unknown impact on supply chains and product pricing. Compounding matters, the cost advantages of sourcing products in China and the Far East don’t always stack up in the present climate due to increasingly layered supply chains

along with pressure to onshore or nearshore to reduce transportation carbon emissions.

There is a view that we are now in an era of slowbalisation – actually not a reference to the 20mph slow-motion speed limits being imposed across the UK - where countries are closing themselves off to trade with other markets and this will undoubtedly have an impact on pricing.

There might not be answers available to all issues presented right now but it is important to consider all factors looking ahead.

Technology in hospitality is in constant motion and e-sourcing and digital procurement platforms are part of these developments. AI solutions will become more ubiquitous in relation to inventory control and forecasting, enabling businesses to make more informed decisions on how to achieve an optimal supply chain which minimises waste and inefficiency.

Ensuring you have resilience in your supply chain involves having a level of diversity across your suppliers and the ability to switch commodities around if pricing becomes uncompetitive from one or more suppliers in any given category. Always have a contingency plan available to minimise disruption and adapt to unpredictable circumstances and disruptions.

A robust tendering process will help identify the best fit suppliers for your business and hopefully there will be minimal issues resulting from your selections but risk is all around us and this is unlikely to change in the near term if at all. Therefore, always be mindful of supply chain resilience to ensure your business continues to serve its customers with minimal disruption.

Finally, regulatory compliance is never far from mind and with ESG matters taking hold of the centre ground, having a procurement resource equipped to navigate this landscape with a focus on transparent processes will become even more valuable in 2024.

HOTELSCOTLAND • 13

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SHOW ME THE MONEY

By Michelle Norman, former Professional Services CEO

What’s the outlook for investment and lending for Scottish hotels?

H

otel bookings are back to the levels seen post pandemic and for many providers, guest numbers are the highest they’ve ever been. Of course, we all know that the boom in bookings isn’t flowing straight to the bottom line. What with increases in product and service costs coupled with a corresponding hike in employee wages and that’s assuming that you can find the staff mean that maintaining margins remains the holy grail for many operators.

So, with this backdrop, what’s investor appetite for the hotel industry? According to Savill’s latest Hotels Spotlight report, transaction activity for the first half of 2023 is still 66% below the average levels recorded over the previous 10 years and activity is being fueled by private investors who are more able to take a long term view rather than be constrained by rising inflation, economic uncertainty and interest rates. Many industry insiders share the view that hotels represent strong investment potential, particularly against other commercial property such as offices where income is effectively fixed and vacancies means no income at all. Despite the investment potential, activity remains low due to a smaller pool of investors looking to secure the most lucrative deals.

If transaction activity is slow, what about traditional lending, are hotels getting access to cash to help ignite future growth? Like many industries, hospitality has seen increased costs, supply issues and with the cost of living crisis, the economic uncertainty continues to hover. Perhaps the biggest challenge for hoteliers is refinancing, current estimates suggest that more than £43 billion UK Hotel debt is approaching maturity. Much of this historic debt was secured at low rates likely to never be seen again, so it’s unsurprising that traditional lenders are nervous about borrowers’ abilities to meet higher repayments against a backdrop of economic uncertainty.

Hotels have the potential to reap long term income and profit rewards but for those looking for traditional bank lending, how are they able to secure the cash?

1.

Segmentation is key Like any other service industry, hotels need to be distinctive and be laser focused on what they offer and who they are offering it to. Lenders seem more comfortable supporting hotels at the top end of the market who can command higher rates and those at the budget end who can drive volume sales. Once you’re clear on your hotel’s target segment, this flows through to every part of your business, from customer acquisition and marketing to pricing and service levels.

2.

Drive Operational efficiencies Maximising occupancy is always going to be a top priority but not at the expense of driving out costs and optimising margins. Whether the opportunities lie in a drive to digital, flex pricing or reducing service levels, be laser focused on improving operational efficiencies. Evidencing your ability to service debt through improved efficiency is key.

3.

Data is everything Uncertainty is what keeps lenders awake at night, so using data to derive evidence based insights is key to keeping your lender happy. That’s not just the traditional cash flow planning but customer feedback, SEO metrics too.

4.

Contingency Plan If the pandemic proved anything it was the resilience of the hotel sector. Show your lender that you are ready to flex not just your pricing but your routes to market, cost base and service levels.

5.

Sustainability Plan Lenders continue to be under pressure from investors and other stakeholders to evidence their focus on sustainability. Hoteliers therefore need a laser focus on all things ESG not just to satisfy traditional lenders but to appeal to the potentially more attractive Green lender.

As interest rates are likely to remain higher than we’ve seen over the last decade, hotels like many other service industries may continue to be at the behest of the banks but by following our five point plan, there might also be an opportunity to not only reassure your lender but deliver improved revenue, margins and profitability.

HOTELSCOTLAND • 15

INTERVIEW

JONATHAN DOHERTY is the man behind the WORQ GROUP. SUSAN YOUNG caught up with him to find what makes him tick.

J

onathan Doherty may come across as very laid back, but the man behind the WORQ Group is more industrious than just about anyone I know, and I know a fair few people! He admits to being a workaholic, a trait he tells me he inherited from his father We met to talk about his Scottish hospitality business which includes, Riva Hotel in Helensburgh and Boutique50 in Glasgow’s west end, as well as Revolver Glasgow. He also has restaurants Chianti in Falkirk and El Santo in Glasgow plus Scotland’s largest log cabin construction and design group – Log house Cabins Scotland.

I met Jonathan at his LGBT-friendly hotel, Revolver, in Virginia House above Delmonica’s in Glasgow’s Merchant City. But first I had to navigate past the giant teddy sitting on a bean bag in reception - a familiar site for guests checking-in. This definitely sets the scene – this is no ordinary hospitality business – but a hybrid hotel/hostel venue which has 38 rooms with a capacity for 128 people where rooms start at £25 and go up to £300. In fact, you don’t even have to check-in at reception, Revolver has its own app which allows guests to check in remotely and find out all they need to know about the hotel and Glasgow.

That’s just one of the reasons it recently picked up the accolade Independent Operator of the Year at the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards with the judges saying, “The accolade goes to an operator who really knows how to identity new opportunities, to innovate and to respond to emerging market trends. It’s a dynamic and forward-thinking business that exudes creativity in what it does and how it delivers in the marketplaces it serves.”

Certainly Revolver, which has just celebrated its 1st birthday, has done just that - to date it has proved a hit with travellers, the LGBT community and single women.

The group renovated what was the former G1 office building and transformed it into this multi-faceted venue which offers various types of accommodation and a social hub. Says Jonathan, “I think I can see things in a building that others don’t. When I used to travel for work, I would stay in three or four star hotels, but when I travelled for fun I stayed in nice hostels. In the hotels, the bars were always empty, and the rooms were quite standard, but in hostels you could get a private room and you had an area where you could interact with other people of a similar age. I thought it was a good mix but that it should also be available for the single working traveller, and this is where the concept of Revolver began.”

He worked with design company Robbie Crocker to create Revolver says Jonathan, “I’ve worked with Robbie Crocker for six years – he is a well-established interior designer – and we have a very good working relationship. He knows what he is doing, and we like to do things properly because we want our venues to have longevity. If you do it right, then you know you have 10/15 years before you have to renovate. I bring some ideas to the table, and he does too – it’s an ongoing relationship.”

16 • HOTELSCOTLAND

TAPPING IN TO The two first worked together on the design of Jonthan’s first hotel Riva in Helensburgh which he opened in 2019.

However, before we went any further into his current activities, I asked him to start at the beginning. He smiles, “I was born in Edinburgh and moved to Ireland when I was four. My father was an entrepreneur and had a very strong work ethic that I inherited from him. I think I have always been a serial entrepreneur. I started working at the age of 14 when I started my own carwash business and I also worked in petrol stations over the summer when I was 15/16.

“I’ve done a lot of different jobs, from running catering vans at festivals, to sales. I dabbled in financial trading and have done gorilla marketing – I really enjoyed that. It was unique and we had some crazy creative ideas, but it was all on advertising vans and trailers – there was nothing online.”

But one business which was online was an e-commerce site that he set up with his best friend.

Explains Jonathan, “Ireland was in a bad recession, and we decided to buy liquidated stock off administrators by the truckload and sell it online. The business grew really quickly and we ended up employing a lot of people. It was a crazy time. People used to queue outside our warehouses at 7am in the morning to find out what bargains we had. One of the things I most regret was selling it after two years - Ireland doesn’t have an eBay and the market leader now was set up at the same time as our business - although we did get a fair bit of cash for it. However, because we were

INTERVIEW

O A YOUNGER GENERATION young, we blew it all in a year on things like a penthouse and cars - all the typical things that young people like. It was a real lesson to us.”

In his late 20’s he made the move back to Scotland and followed in his father’s footsteps with his next business, “I fell into design and construction when I moved back to Scotland where the initial plan was to refurbish properties. He’s Father had a being doing this most his life, Although he had great success, all businesses have their ups and downs, and my dad was no different.

He lost everything in 2009 but that didn’t deter him and he built it all back up again. I have learned from him how important it is to be resilient.”

He continues, “It was the deal that attracted me to Riva. It had been empty for four years and was an old 1800s building.

No normal person would have taken it. However, I would travel anywhere for a good deal.” And travel he did, from Edinburgh to Helensburgh for 18 months before booking into a low-cost hotel at Kelvingrove.

He smiles, “Three of us did all the stripping out and I built the bones of our own construction fit-out team from that – we learned a lot. Then we started doing fitouts for clients, But we still had a passion for doing our own thing – we took over number one commercial street Edinburgh and turned it into Hemingways.

Then opened Chianti and Boutique50 before launching Revolver and El Santo.”

At the same time he opened Boutique 50 plans for Revolver

were well underway. Says Jonathan, “After Riva I said I wouldn’t do an old building again. Then along came Virginia House which was perfect for my Revolver concept.

“This is a brand I definitely want to develop into different cities.

We are actively looking for our next location. Old offices are perfect because we can go with the fabric of the buildings because of the variety of accommodation we offer. I think this gives us a real opportunity. We would also like to get a bigger unit. There is no reason why we cannot scale up and the plan is to expand into Europe too.

“Revolver is aimed at a market which is younger and 70% of our customers are women. I am not sure whether it is driven by our links to the LGBT community, but people see this as a safe hotel, and I am delighted that they feel safe here.

“We went down the LGBT route because of the location and the team we have around us. Revolver is very much about ‘be who you are’, we really promote that ideology, and that is reflected in the unique customer we get.

“I think today young people also want to experience the world and like to spend their money on travel and clothes rather than going out drinking on a Friday. Many will save their money and travel abroad for a weekend once a month. I think that’s why this model works – they don’t want expensive accommodation and they want the social angle too.”

Every room is quirky and comes complete with ear plugs and a condom – the ear plugs are definitely required as because of its HOTELSCOTLAND • 17

INTERVIEW

JAPANESE POD BEDS FAR RIGHT REVOLVER LOUNGE AREA location and the popularity of Delmonica’s, the hotel does suffer noise pollution.

Those on a budget can book a Dormitory bed or a Japanese style Pod room. There are also double rooms, some with ensuites and a triple room. As well as its own app, the group is also trialling a prototype commercial Alexa.

Jonathan explains, “I saw these in the States, and I spoke to our IT Manager about getting them here. When we enquired, we were told that it was not available in Europe. But they then came back to us and said we could have them if we would trial them – so we are the first commercial hotel to have Alexa’s in Europe. We have preset questions about the hotel that have been programmed in and our guests can put in an order using voice commands.

“One of the reasons that I think our hotels are popular is because people enjoying staying in them – and they enjoy them because we do care about the details. That also allows us to charge a bit more in our boutique hotels.

Revolver is an ongoing project with plans for the roof well advanced – a hot tub, gym and outdoor area for socialising will be open in the Spring.

WORQ has many other strings to its bow, with hostels and hotels down south, it is also a facility management company and Jonathan is coowner of Scotland’s biggest log cabin construction and design group.

He explains, “I own a loghouse cabin company with a good friend from Ireland. He also has the manufacturing company in Lithuania. When Covid came with the restaurants and hotels closing we thought it would be a good time to launch the business here. We thought following Covid that people might want to put offices in their gardens to get away from their children. We now have a 15000 Sq ft showroom for Loghouse Cabins Scotland at Caulders in Cumbernauld where we showcase our log cabins – we don’t just sell to households but to businesses including hotels and holiday parks.

“One of things I would like to do is build an eco-lodge resort and we are looking for land. This, like Revolver, will be aimed at the younger generation – the aim is to make it like a miniature Centre Parks with lots of amenities. We also have some bubble domes in storage – we just need to find the right private land and secure it.”

Jonathan is not the only entrepreneur in the family his older brother Christopher is in the trade too. Says Jonathan, “He runs community pubs 18 • HOTELSCOTLAND

in Edinburgh, but we do help each other out – I help with marketing and maintenance and he helps me with the recruitment side of the business.”

Jonathan admits he is perhaps more of a workaholic than his brother.

The good news is since the birth of his son Joseph two years ago, he now only works until 7pm or 8pm! Luckily for him his Brazilian partner Gabriela is very understanding – in fact she runs the housekeeping side of the business for him. She is not the only member of the family involved in the business – his bulldog called El Santo is also an office dog. In fact, most of his venues, excluding Boutique 50, have dog friendly rooms – and Riva really benefits from this dog-friendly policy.

Says Jonathan, “When Riva opened it had two dog friendly rooms – now there is only one which is non-dog friendly. It has worked really well for us – so many people want to travel with their dogs – and folk that are travelling to the highlands often stop over with us. You get a Paws Package for your room!”

Although the end of the year and the quieter part of the year is looming Jonathan is not planning on taking it any easier. He says, “You have to be resilient in business, especially in hospitality, and part of that is planning for the quieter months. We try and ensure we don’t overspend but we do try and put money back in and ensure our overheads are accommodated – for instance it’s not inexpensive having your own maintenance team but we do utilise them well.

“El Santo is set to close for a few weeks in the New Year and a secondary door is going in, while a new tequila rack is also being added.

Riva is also getting a refresh – under the careful eye of Robbie Crocker – he is already sourcing a new rug for the lounge!”

Part of the journey is also looking at how the business can be more sustainable and that is going to be a real focus in the years to come, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) is important to the business. Jonathan has put in vegetable gardens in all his sites and is also considering solar panels – he says “We’ve done all the usual things, but know we mean to take it a step further. It does mean a lot to the business.”

The most recent announcement from the group was its plan to create a new boutique hotel The Hive WA1 in Warrington which will open in 2025...

Concludes Jonathan, ‘We are lucky we have a great team.” That may be the case, but it certainly helps to have dynamic boss too!

HOTELSCOTLAND • 19

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VIRGIN HOTELS GLASGOW 246 CLYDE STREET, GLASGOW G1 4JF

by Susan Young

V

irgin Hotels Glasgow has recently opened and it is already proving a hit with customers. The Clyde Street hotel, managed

by Tom Gibson, has six floors which are fully open, a seventh is expected to be completed shortly and the further floors will all open next year.

When fully completed the hotel will be home to 240 chambers ranging from a Petite Chamber up to a Presidential Suite and there will also be one named after Richard Branson’s wife Joan who is a Glaswegian. The hotel has various stylish public spaces including The Commons Club, its flagship restaurant, and Highyard , which is located on the mezzanine level of Commons Club. This also features an outdoor terrace with a retractable roof and two living walls, creating the atmosphere of a lush forest retreat in an urban oasis.

Upon entering the hotel, guests are met with a stunning interior, designed

by Edinburgh based agency Four-by-Two featuring a grand staircase, decorative metalwork, antiqued mirrors, bespoke lighting and sumptuous furniture.

The hotel has also been decorated with beautifully bespoke artwork.

Four-by-Two’s vision for the art was brought to life in collaboration with Visto Art, all created by local Scottish illustrators, painters and photographers. Each of the diverse pieces are inspired by the city’s rich heritage, and form impressive mural spray painted by several of the city’s most creative street artists to the friezes that depict Glasgow mural trail with creative alliances also set up by Glasgow art company - Artpistol.

HOTELSCOTLAND • 21

22 • HOTELSCOTLAND

On the ground floor there is also the intimate Shag Room, which is decked in luxurious fabrics and is almost like a cocoon in the centre of the hotel.

Following the completion and success of the interior design concept for Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, Four-by-Two were commissioned to lead the design for Glasgow.

Four-by-Two’s brief was to create a design that resonated with both visitors and the local community and which captured the essence of Glasgow. They have certainly achieved that.

Karen Maxwell for Four-by-Two design comments, “Virgin Hotels have a saying that they are exclusively for everybody – so that covers a lot of ground. We created a layered approach to accommodate every mood.

With references to Glasgow’s industrial past and shipbuilding heritage, art is prevalent and plays a big role in which the agency directed along with curating the yet to open “Funny Library” styling and booklist. At every turn there is an inside perspective on the culture from the bespoke designed light-fittings based on the Finnieston Crane to the wall mirrors inspired by the iconic landmark of Glasgow Central. Sipping on a cocktail in The Highyard it is very fitting to soak up the twenties liner glamour you feel overlooking the Clyde where the ships were once built.”

The hotel bedrooms are flooded with natural light and brimming with thoughtful features that optimise the space. Wood-sliding doors separate the sleep and relaxation lounge from the dressing area in every room, giving guests optimum privacy.

The dressing room features a stand-alone vanity unit with a mounted illuminated mirror, and the lounge itself has a Virgin Hotels’ ergonomic bed - The Lounge Bed’s soft, padded headboard has been ergonomically designed with a 120 degree pitch, allowing guests to recline and work easily with a laptop or tablet propped up on their knees. It also includes two “cubby holes” at the either end of the headboard and a third at the front corner, allowing three people to sit on the bed comfortably.

The front corner is also designed to be extra supportive so that the mattress doesn’t sink when a third person uses it as a seat. There is also HOTELSCOTLAND • 23

a red SMEG mini-fridge generously stocked with local products. Says General Manager Tom Gibson, “We have tried to use local suppliers in our rooms where we can. We like to make sure the local suppliers have as much exposure as the bigger guys.”

The Moroccan rugs in the rooms are sustainable and handmade, from the female-run company, Lālla that sources and sells each unique piece through women’s weaving cooperatives in the Atlas Mountains.

Nods to the Virgin red - are evident in the phone and each of the bedroom doors are painted a vibrant red - but it is not overdone by any means. And if you order breakfast you can also enjoy a special Red bagel made by local company Bross Bagels.

Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson said: “Glasgow holds a special place in my heart, as one of the first record shops we opened was on Union Street and my wife was born and brought up here.

With Virgin Hotels Glasgow, we aimed to capture Glasgow’s unique spirit, offering visitors and locals an unparalleled experience. The hotel’s design truly reflects this as well as the city’s rich history and we look forward to welcoming everyone to the hotel to enjoy all that we have to offer. Well done to the team for creating magic, yet again.”

Someone else creating magic is Executive Chef Jean Paul Giraud who has created contemporary menus that deliver impeccable Scottish produce with an imaginative flair. He too has used local suppliers to ensure continuity of the Virgin ethos of supporting local.

Virgin Hotels Collection CEO James Bermingham concludes, “At Virgin Hotels, we are driven by our passion for delivering innovative design and heartfelt service, and our latest opening is no exception.

Every detail has been curated to reflect the dynamic and diverse essence of Glasgow, and we hope the hotel will not only be a home away from home, but a door to the incredible experiences within this exciting city.”

24 • HOTELSCOTLAND

PEOPLE

ANDREW FAIRLIE SCHOLARSHIP FINALISTS 2023

T

he Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland is proud to announce five finalists for the fourth annual Andrew Fairlie Scholarship. The event will take place on Wednesday 22nd November 2023.

Five talented chefs have been shortlisted to compete in a skills test for the chance to become an Andrew Fairlie scholar and take part in once-in-alifetime culinary educational experiences.

The Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is an invaluable opportunity for chefs seeking first-hand experience within some of the world’s most renowned establishments, offering the ultimate education for up-and-coming chefs.

Launched in 2019, the late Andrew Fairlie was a key figure behind the scholarship initiative. The scholarship is offered in partnership with HIT Scotland, an industry charity with which Andrew was closely connected. Now in its fourth year, the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is supported by HIT Scotland, Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Perth College UHI and The Gleneagles Hotel.

The five skilled chefs competing for this ‘ultimate scholarship’ are: Daniel Robb, 27, Chef de Partie at Gleneagles ; Rachel Bremner, 34, Commis Pastry Chef at the Balmoral; Darren Seggie, 35, Lecturer of Culinary Arts at City of Glasgow College; Spud Henderson, 34, Sous Chef at Craig Millar @ 16 West End; Rita Varga, 31, Chef de Partie/kitchen departmental trainer at Voco Grand Central Hotel.

On Wednesday 22 November, Perth College UHI will host the skills test and judging portion of the day, with the winner’s announcement being made

at Gleneagles. This year, the finalists have been challenged to create a dish with potato as its star ingredient, as well as incorporating Scottish dairy.

An all-star panel of the country’s finest chefs will judge the 2023 competition. Stephen McLaughlin, Head Chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, will be joined by fellow 2 Michelin starred Chef Sat Bains, 1 Michelin star Head Chef at Cail Bruich and winner of Great British Menu, Lorna McNee, and Masterchef winner and National Chef of Scotland, Gary Maclean.

The winner of this year’s Scholarship will be taken on an incredible 2-day educational trip to France with Grand Cuisine, and gain hands-on experience at the 2-Michelin star Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles, the 3-star Core by Clare Smyth in London, an international stage, as well as receiving a bespoke chef ’s jacket. These highly informative experiences will be taken over two years, allowing the scholar to develop their learnings over a period of time.

David Cochrane, Chief Executive of HIT Scotland, said, “This is a unique opportunity for chefs in Scotland to not only hone their culinary skills but to also carry forward the remarkable legacy of Andrew Fairlie. It is a gateway to a world of fantastic industry opportunities that can enhance their careers and personal development.

“We remain committed to showcasing the exceptional talent in Scotland while continuing to champion Andrew’s incredible legacy. Best of luck to all of our finalists!”

Crerar450 Challenge raises £17k for HIT Scotland The 450 mile cycle around Scotland fundraising challenge set up by HIT Scotland and Crerar Hotels has smashed the original target of £5,000, and has raised £17,000 – all of which will go towards providing empowering inspirational development to those studying or working in the hospitality industry in Scotland.

Set up by Chris Wayne-Wills, Chief Executive Officer of Crerar Hotels and Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland Chief Executive David Cochrane, the challenge was based around Crerar hotel groups Crerar450 scenic road trip – a route which takes in 450 miles between all seven, four-and five-star Crerar Hotels properties.

The cycling Challenge set off in mid September from Balmoral Arms in Ballater before they cycled to Thainstone House Hotel in Inverurie, Golf View Hotel in Nairn, The Glencoe Inn, Oban Bay Hotel, the Isle of Mull Hotel, Loch Fyne Hotel in Inveraray, and sister hotel Dunkeld House Hotel in Perthshire, before returning to Ballater.

Chris Wayne-Wills, CEO of Crerar Hotels, who cycled more

than 450 miles in less than a week alongside Glenn Woodage, Assistant Director of F&B at Virgin Hotels, Edinburgh said, “Cycling the Crerar450 was the experience of a lifetime, to say the least. I’m a keen cyclist, but this really pushed me to my limit, tackling almost every season Scotland had to throw at us along the way. However, I had the wonderful support of HIT Scotland, my Crerar Hotels family and many partners and hospitality professionals.

“I’m incredibly proud of everyone who took part in the challenge, we’ve raised a fantastic amount for the hospitality industry, these funds are incredibly valuable, especially at a time like this.”

David Cochrane, CEO of HIT Scotland, said, “This challenge was incredibly demanding, but the sheer amount of support we received has made it worth it. It just shows how wonderful this industry is, that we can all come together to support a great cause.

“The £17,000 we’ve raised will help fund HIT’s inspirational scholarship programme, and I want to personally thank everyone who took part and donated, even those who cheered us on – it helped everyone clock in those miles.”

HOTELSCOTLAND • 25

PEOPLE

AC by Marriott Glasgow appoints award-winning Head Chef for new restaurant Former Scotsman Group and Mar Hall Hotel head chef, Eric Avenier has joined the senior leadership team at soon to open AC by Marriott Glasgow. An opening date is expected this month for the new £100m Love Loan development.

Avenier joins as Head Chef at Hazel, its new 100-seater restaurant which will operate over breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is the latest high-profile addition to the highly anticipated Love Loan development, following the recent announcement of Soho House’s plans to enter the Glasgow market along with the 245-room AC by Marriott Hotel.

Avenier said, “I’ve successfully run many restaurants in Glasgow, and I love the vibe of the city, but my passion lies with hotels and I couldn’t be happier to be able to bring my skill set together to work in a fantastic reputable hotel in the heart of Glasgow’s city centre.

“It’s an especially exciting time as Hazel is the first of many reputable partners to join Glasgow’s Love Loan development, which will completely transform the city centre as we know it.”

Craig Munro, General Manager at AC by Marriott Glasgow, said, “Hazel is an exciting and unique concept combining Glasgow’s affinity for excellent independent restaurants with the wide-reaching romanticised appeal of the classic hotel bar. These usually contrasting concepts come together in Hazel to create an exceptional experience for everyone from urban explorers and solo business travellers to Saturday shoppers, and busy city workers.”

The Love Loan property development project – from Edinburghbased private investment and real estate firm Chris Stewart Group – will transform an area close to George Square into a leisure and residential space including bars, restaurants, health and well-being facilities, and other ancillary uses.

Old Manse of Blair names Iain Nicholson as Head Chef The Old Manse of Blair in Blair Atholl has appointed Iain Nicholson as Head Chef of its 5-star Orangery restaurant.

Scottish-born Nicholson’s career, which spans more than a decade, has seen him travel the world working in senior positions including Head Chef at the Vie Montagne restaurant in Verbier, Switzerland, Mingary Castle on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula and Head Chef at 18 Restaurant and Bar at the Machrie hotel on Islay.

A passionate forager, he also created and runs No Bad Food Lab, a progressive Scottish food project promoting foraging, Iain champions local produce and sustainability with his menus reflecting his passion, a cooking style heavily inspired by nature.

Iain said “It’s a real joy to join The Old Manse of Blair. I’ve travelled the world with my career but there’s something so magical and unique about Perthshire, especially our little part of Scotland with its scenery and abundance of wonderful produce on hand.

“The changing seasons drive everything we create at the Old Manse of Blair. Our guests should be able to shut their eyes and instantly know what time of year it is and where they are in the world simply by taste. Foraging is a passion of mine, I love experimenting with the vast array of delicious in-season ingredients which the Scottish climate lends itself to from mushrooms, nuts and berries to indigenous beef, venison and game birds such as wild grouse, partridge and woodcock, and our seafood, which is world renowned. We’re serving up a true taste of highland hospitality here.”

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BDP Contract Furniture

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The Clachan, Drymen

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HIT HIGHLAND DINNER

T

he Kingsmill Hotel was the venue for the HIT Highland Dinner at the end of September. A most enjoyable evening was had by all.

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