Hotel Scotland Issue 15

HOTELSCOTLAND 15 – DECEMBER 2018 ISSN 2515-8287

BLYTHSWOOD CELEBRATES WITH MOËT & CHANDON

FIFE ARMS REVEALED INTERVIEW:

STRUAN LOTHIAN KNOCKENDARROCH

CONTENTS

4

NEWS

10 REVIEW OF THE YEAR 17 FESTIVE DRINKS

I

WELCOME

10

• REVIEW OF THE YEAR

I also I took a trip to Pitlochry to catch up with Struan and Louise Lothian at Knockendarroch Hotel and was immensely impressed by what they have achieved. They are certainly switched on.

STRUAN LOTHIAN, KNOCKENDARROCH HOTEL

22 DESIGN:

t’s been the quickest year on record. I can hardly believe that this is the last magazine of the year.

As it’s our Christmas issue I’m delighted to have a festive Cover featuring Murray Thomson, GM at the Blythswood Hotel in Glasgow and his colleague Gordon Shaw, who joined Gemma Leisegang of Moët Chandon to launch the Moët Chandon bar at the hotel. It is there for the full festive season. I was lucky enough to join them for a glass or two of bubbly to mark the launch.

18 INTERVIEW:

THE FIFE ARMS

26 DESIGN: MOXY

31 WHAT’S NEW

18

34 CHECK OUT

• STRUAN AND LOUISE LOTHIAN

This issue features our review of the Year - I hope it reminds you of a few memorable occasions from 2018 from the snow to HIT’s successes, we catalogue some of the events which have stand out.

This issue we take a look at the millennial Moxy and The Fife Arms which looks fabulous.

I wish you all a prosperous festive season and look forward to catching up with you next year.

Susan Young Editor

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

22

• TH FIFE ARMS

HOTELSCOTLAND Published by Media World limited t: 0141 221 6965 e: news@mediaworldltd.com w: hotelmagazinescotland.co.uk

26 • MOXY

Editor: Susan Young Editorial: Jocelyn O’Keefe, Jason Caddy Advertising: Sylvia Forsyth, Nicole Browning, Emma Doherty Production: Dougie Wagstaff Admin: Cheryl Cook

Upper floor Finnieston House 1 Stables Yard 1103 Argyle Street Finnieston, Glasgow G3 8ND

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 2018. Printed by Stephens & George Print Group.

DECEMBER 2018 • HOTELSCOTLAND • 3

Proposed Edinburgh tourist tax could lead to a reduction in visitor spend of £94 million!

A new report into the estimated economic impact that the proposed tourist tax would have on visitor spend in Edinburgh, was published earlier this month.

The research was carried out by UK Hospitality’s economic adviser and based and based on both academic studies on price elasticity for tourism and survey data on visitor numbers.

The findings, revealed that a £2 a night Transient Visitor Levy (TVL) could result in a reduced visitor spend of around £94m per annum in Edinburgh which far outweighs the projected £18m tax gain.

Research commissioned by Marketing Edinburgh, which is consistent with UK Hospitality’s own findings, revealed that whilst a £2 a night tax would have little impact on the majority of visitors to Edinburgh, three per cent stated that they would no longer choose the destination due to the additional levy. This in itself is forecast to trigger a reduction in spend of around £57m.

Speaking on the day that the City of Edinburgh Council’s consultation into a TVL came to a close, Willie Macleod, Executive Director of UK Hospitality, said, “These figures clearly demonstrate the very real damage that the

introduction of a tourist tax could bring to Edinburgh and to Scotland as a whole.

“The survey carried out by Marketing Edinburgh on behalf of City of Edinburgh Council highlighted that ‘just’ three per cent of people wouldn’t come to Edinburgh if a tax were to be introduced. Our own findings concur but what CEC conveniently neglected to state was that this three per cent would result in a reduction in spend of around £57m per year – three times the amount that the proposed tax would generate in income.

“These figures simply cannot be ignored and I would once more urge the Scottish Government, as part of their own considerations into a tourist tax, to heed the warnings that these figures represent.”

He concluded, “At a time of significant economic uncertainty, one of the highest rates of VAT in the world and being ranked 135 out of 136 in terms of tourism price competitiveness, Scotland should be doing everything it can to attract tourism and spend, not pushing us further out of reach.”

MOËT & CHANDON’S It’s the most magical time of the year and this Christmas Moët & Chandon, the world’s most celebrated Champagne marque, unveiled its Moët & Chandon Bar at Blythswood Square Hotel in Glasgow.

Invited guests were treated to Christmas carols sung by the Glasgow Phoenix Choir in the foyer of the hotel which also featured a dazzling Christmas tree elegantly accessorised

CELEBRATIONS FOR INGLISTON COUNTRY CLUB & HOTEL

SAVE THE DATE!

Ingliston Country Club & Hotel in Bishopton recently picked up two awards at The ROCCOs, Renfrewshire Chamber’s annual business awards. It won the ROCCO Award for Excellence in Tourism and the ROCCO Award for Employer of the Year.

The HIT Scotland TALENT Conference hosted by STV’s Jennifer Reoch, will take place at the Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow on the 7th February. For 2019 the conference has a new name and a new look – which is all about Inspiring Hospitality Leaders at all levels of the hospitality sector.

Paul Fraser, owner of Ingliston Country Club & Hotel, said, “I could not be more proud that the team at Ingliston has collected these awards. It’s fantastic for the local area to have so many thriving businesses and we were up against tough competition. It really is a team effort and it’s a fantastic moment for me to see everyone’s hard work and commitment recognised in this way.”

Pictured l-r -Tom Johnston (President of Renfrewshire Chamber), Karen & Paul Fraser (owners of Ingliston), Gordon Smith (Visit Scotland) and host Fred MacAulay.

IF YOU HAVE ANY NEWS FOR US AT HOTEL SCOTLAND EMAIL: NEWS@MEDIAWORLDLTD.COM 4 • HOTELSCOTLAND • DECEMBER 2018

The 2019 programme will include more inspirational and thought-provoking speakers, including Head of Digital and Communities at Innocent drinks, Helena Langdon, which will challenge delegates and their teams to think differently about your roles and your business and how as an industry we can grow and inspire a skilled workforce.

NEWS

Moxy and Courtyard plan for SEC Two new hotels planned for Finnieston, close to the SSE Hydro, will see an additional 434 rooms added The Courtyard by Marriott and a Moxy Hotel are both due to be completed by 2020. Peter Duthie, CEO of the Scottish Event Campus, said, “These new hotels will be a great addition to the campus, supporting our growing business, offering more rooms and more choice for Conference, Exhibition and Live Entertainment visitors to the SEC. We look forward to working with their teams.”

CHRISTMAS MAGIC AT THE BLYTHSWOOD

by Moët Chandon decorations .The bar, which will be in place in the hotel until Hogmanay, will offer guests The Perfect Serve; the muchloved Moët Impérial and in keeping with Moët’s spirit of generosity, complimentary truffle Impérial popcorn will be gifted with every glass purchased.

There will also be culinary food pairings with the hotel offering guests The Perfect

Pairing – Loch Fyne smoked salmon served with lemon & caviar cream cheese on a buckwheat bellini, a truffle, parmesan and ricotta cone and a glass of Moët Impérial for £15.

Guests were also treated to a special cocktail created by Head Bartender Martin Nicol, the Mrs Cratchit – Moët Chandon with infused Crème de Cassis.

Fairmont St. Andrews goes for glass Fairmont St Andrews has replaced disposable water bottles in its 212 guest rooms with specially designed refillable glass bottles. Water top up points are also being installed within the hotel to allow guests to easily stay hydrated using their own refillable water bottles.

The hotel is backing Scottish Water’s Your Water Your Life campaign and its moves will save more than 55,000 plastic bottles per year.

Douglas Millican, chief executive of Scottish Water, said: “Fairmont St Andrews is to be commended for investing in this initiative which will not only ensure guests at the hotel can easily top up from the tap and enjoy our fantastic Scottish water, but also make a positive impact on the environment by reducing waste.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with them and hope other businesses across Scotland will follow their lead.”

John Keating, general manager at Fairmont St Andrews said, “We are very excited about this new partnership with Scottish Water. “It’s very important to us and supports the resort’s and AccorHotels’ green values. In addition to eradicating plastic bottles, we will be installing three water fountains around the resort making it much easier for guests to top up with their own water bottles.

“I am so proud of all the colleagues at the hotel who are embracing this new initiative, and their dedication to green tourism.”

Fairmont St Andrews was awarded AA Eco Hotel of the Year at the AA Hospitality Awards this year.

The ‘Your Water Your Life’ campaign encourages people to make tap the first choice for Scotland’s water drinkers, highlighting how topping up from the tap can benefit their health, their finances and the environment.

Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said, “The additional accommodation created by these two new hotels compliments our ambitions for the SEC and I have no doubt they will play a role in cementing our reputation as a world-class events destination.”

NEW TRAVELODGE FOR SOUTH GYLE Crucible Alba Group is to build a new 70 bedroom hotel at South Gyle, Edinburgh, pre-let to Travelodge Hotels Ltd on a 25year contract. It will open next autumn. The new hotel will be sited on land purchased from Greene King, who recently developed a new Farmhouse Inn on the adjacent plot.

Sandy Cameron of Sandy Cameron Property Consultants, who acted on behalf of Travelodge said, “Travelodge have been keen to secure a hotel in this area for some time. This site is ideal as it will appeal to business travellers and to tourists with the added bonus of being close to Edinburgh International Airport”.

Crucible Alba Group Development Director Brian Robinson confirmed: “This is an excellent development for all concerned; for our forward funder, for the tenant, Travelodge Hotels, and for Greene King as their Farmhouse Inn will benefit from having the hotel next door. The location of the hotel is extremely strong being within two miles of Edinburgh International Airport and adjacent to the successful Edinburgh Park business district”.

Crucible Alba Group confirmed that all of the necessary consents are already in place and that they are aiming to commence construction on site as soon as possible.

DECEMBER 2018 • HOTELSCOTLAND • 5

COSTLEY & COSTLEY WELCOME JAMIE HEPBURN MSP

Lochgreen House Hotel & Spa was visited

by Jamie Hepburn MSP, Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills, last month.

The Minister presented certificates of achievement to twelve team members who had successfully completed specialist training funded by the Developing Young Workforce (DYW) Ayrshire Programme.

The training was aimed at the hotelier Group’s young, part-time staff, many of whom are students, and designed to provide a greater insight into the different career opportunities the hospitality industry has to offer.

Mr Hepburn said, “I was delighted to join Costley & Costley at Lochgreen House Hotel, for its Celebration of Achievement Breakfast for its young workforce. Not only did this event showcase the industry at its very best, it also highlighted the benefits of the Developing

Young Workforce agenda by enabling schools and colleges to engage directly with industry.”

Bill Costley said, “We are fortunate to attract a great number of young people to the business every year who combine their studies with working within the Group. However, this training has enabled them to recognise the very many different career pathways that are open to them drawing on a variety of different skills.

“It’s a terrific business to be involved with and although you might start your training in Ayrshire it’s an industry that can take you all over the world if you have the passion and commitment.

“The DYW programme is very beneficial and it’s important that young people are given all the support and opportunities they can as it’s challenging to know where to start and how to build a career.”

JD Wetherspoon get approval for Glasgow hotel JD Wetherspoon is a step closer to building a nine-storey hotel on a gap site next to the group’s Crystal Palace pub on Glasgow’s Jamaica Street, and creating 28 bedrooms in the vacant upper floors of the pub, which is Category A listed.

Although the plans were approved in July with an understanding that a noise impact assessment survey on how the hotel could affect neighbouring homes be undertaken.

However, the owners of the Sub Club, a well known Glasgow nightclub, put a petition to the Court of Session asking for a judicial review of the decision.

They said that they were concerned that consideration has not been given to how late night music could affect hotel guests. But Court proceedings were suspended after JD Wetherspoon said it would apply a for a 6 • HOTELSCOTLAND • DECEMBER 2018

LOCAL HEROES LIGHT UP BOCLAIR HOUSE HOTEL FOR CHRISTMAS

change to planning conditions to take account how late-night venue noise could affect hotel guests. This was approved last month by planning bosses, despite more than 20 objections by music industry leaders who still maintain that JD Wetherspoon hadn’t taken measures to mitigate noise impacts from pubs and clubs. The Sub Club could still, despite the condition being attached to the planning permission seek a judicial review in a bid to stop the build going ahead. A similar situation arose when plans were put forward to build a boutique hotel next door to King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut. Owners DF Concerts claimed the venue was at risk because guests may have complained about the noise pollution. DF cited the Scottish Government’s ‘agent of change principle’ which places the burden of mitigating noise issues from live music venues on developers. These plans are stalled.

Christmas cheer was evident at Boclair House Hotel in Bearsden recently when invited guests witnessed the switch on of 3,500 bulbs on its 40ft Christmas tree.

Two local heroes did the honours.

Eight-year-old Alex Hughes, and Celine Mall, aka Tickles the Clown (age 22 in clown years) were invited to light up Boclair after being nominated by friends and family.

Little Alex was diagnosed with a rare disease called juvenile dermatomyositis when she was only four years old. It’s an illness which affects about three in one million children each year, and the cause is unknown. Alex’s mum, Lesley Hughes said: “I’d like to thank the team at Boclair House for giving us a day to remember and making my little hero feel like a celebrity! It was such a lovely day for us all especially Alex she just loved every second of it and was super excited to switch on your Christmas lights along with Tickles the Clown!”

Celine Mall makes children laugh, as Tickles the Clown. Every week for the past eight years she has been going to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow to entertain the children.

She brightens up the days of everyone she

XXXXXXXX NEWS

500 million guests affected by security breach Marriott has revealed that data on up to 500 million guests who made reservations at their Starwood properties, including the Sheraton Grand in Edinburgh, have had their information copied, and that the breach made go back as far as 2014. The company has owned Starwood since 2016.

sees. And she’s also been to Lapland as part of a trip organised by the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity and When You Wish Upon a Star Scotland.

Celine was nominated by her daughter Luici Mitchell. Luici said:,“She goes above and beyond to make the children smile. She’s a credit to our family”.

Boclair House Hotel opened in 2016. which is aimed at bringing the local community together.

Santa also made an appearance and Tickles the Clown became a fun Christmas Elf. Bearsden Choir entertained the crowds with Christmas carols from the bandstand, and hot food and drinks were served outside.

The team behind Boclair House Hotel had also been busy making homemade cookies and sweet treats, and an outside stall manned by receptionist Katrine Codona made a total of £215for The Saturday Café Charity.

Andrew McIvor, General Manager, Boclair House Hotel said, “We’re now officially ready for Christmas. Our light switch on was a great success.

It was an honour to host and welcome our local heroes, and I was delighted to see so many people come together and have a great time.”

For approximately 327 million of these guests, the information includes some combination of name, mailing address, phone number, email address, passport number, Starwood Preferred Guest (“SPG”) account information, date of birth, gender, arrival and departure information, reservation date, and communication preferences. For some, the information also includes payment card numbers and payment card expiration dates, but the payment card numbers were encrypted using Advanced Encryption Standard encryption (AES-128).

There are two components needed to decrypt the payment card numbers, and at this point, Marriott has not been able to rule out the possibility that both were taken. For the remaining guests, the information was limited to name and sometimes other data such as mailing address, email address, or other information.

Arne Sorenson, Marriott’s President and Chief Executive Officer said. “We deeply regret this incident happened,” “We fell short of what our guests deserve and what we expect of ourselves. We are doing everything we can to support our guests, and using lessons learned to be better moving forward.”

“Today, Marriott is reaffirming our commitment to our guests around the world. We are working hard to ensure our guests have answers to questions about their personal information, with a dedicated website and call centre We will also continue to support the efforts of law enforcement and to work with leading security experts to improve. Finally, we are devoting the resources necessary to phase out Starwood systems and accelerate the ongoing security enhancements to our network.” * Starwood brands include: W Hotels, St. Regis, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Westin Hotels & Resorts, Element Hotels, Aloft Hotels, The Luxury Collection, Tribute Portfolio, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts, Four Points by Sheraton and Design Hotels.

ON SALE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 80 YEARS...

Friars Carse Country House Hotel at Auldgirth, Dumfries is up for sale for the first time in 80 years. The country house hotel is set in more than 30 acres and also comes with salmon fishing on River Nith.

The hotel has 21 bedrooms, public rooms and marquee and three cottages as well as a walled garden.

The present mansion house is of a ScotsBaronial-style in dressed red sandstone constructed around an earlier house, built in 1873, and extended in the 1900s. The hotel has its accommodation arranged over four main levels, with a fully serviced modern lift.

Owned by The Post Office Fellowship of Remembrance (POFR) and operated under the ‘Classic Hotels’ brand, the hotel is run on a commercial basis. However some business still emanates from the POFR membership who use the hotel facilities at reduced rates. The hotel has an annual Room Occupancy results of over 74%. In addition, the hotel is further augmented as a popular wedding - 46 weddings booked in 2018 - and function venue, as well as a useful meeting point for small conferences. Offers in excess of £1.85 million are sought. It is for sale through Colliers.

The 9th Advances in Hospitality and Tourism Marketing and Management Conference will be hosted at the University of Portsmouth from 9 to 12 July 2019. It will be the first time the event has been held in the UK. During the event delegates from academia, industry and other organisations will have the opportunity to share and exchange knowledge and expertise on hospitality marketing and management.

Blythswood Square Hotel plans approved There is to be a new 57-bedroom hotel at Blythswood Square in a townhouse that legend has it is haunted by Madeline Smith.

She was a socialite who was accused of murder in 1857, but the jury returned a verdict of not proven. The building was bought last year by Marshall CDP, and plans have now been approved by Glasgow City Council.

DECEMBER 2018 • HOTELSCOTLAND • 7

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NEWS

F

orty-six staff at The Priory Hotel in Beauly have been given a stake in the business after it became only the second hotel company in Scotland to become employee-owned. The first was Auchrannie Resort at the start of the year.

Stuart Hutton founded the 39-bedroom business in 1972 and he and his family have played a key role in the day-to-day management and running of the hotel for the past 40 years.

Kenneth Hutton on why the hotel is now employee-owned commented, “My dad was at the stage where he was considering a step back from the business. He had put the hotel on the market recently and had a couple of trade sale offers, however, he didn’t feel that the prospective buyers were the right fit for the hotel. A staff member had once mentioned employee ownership as a potential solution to this – it meant the business would be sold to those who know it best, and it wouldn’t be taken over by a large chain. The option stuck with my dad and when he felt like he had the correct management team in place, the time was right to begin progressing the buyout.”

Kenneth grew up with the hotel since childhood and despite taking a different career direction as a golf professional, he has become involved again over the past few years. He will become managing director of the company and will

BEAULY HOTEL BECOMES EMPLOYEE-OWNED oversee its operation, as his dad begins to remove himself from the business. Some of the key management team will assume positions on the board. Kate Melens will be the General Manager of the hotel.

Kenneth continued, The Priory Hotel is a huge part of the local community and a takeover by a large chain could have put jobs and company values at risk. By selling to his employees, my dad knows that the business he spent 46 years building is now in the hands of a loyal and invested team that wants the best for the hotel and the local area. The staff are very excited by the news and are looking forward to learning more about the role they will play in the hotel’s future.”

An Employee Ownership Trust has been formed which will hold 72% of the shares on behalf of the employees. Kenneth Hutton will retain the bulk of the remaining shareholding, to demonstrate that the family remains committed to the continuation of the hotel. The transition to employee ownership was supported by Co-operative Development Scotland (CDS) and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) with the process managed by Ownership Associates, legal services by Anderson Strathern and accountancy support from Johnston Carmichael.

The deal was partly financed by

Luxury Edinburgh hotel for Hyatt The first Hyatt-branded property in Scotland and the third Hyatt Regency hotel in the United Kingdom will be located at Edinburgh Marina. The hotel will have 187 guestrooms and 98 apartments. Guido Fredrich, regional vice president development Europe said, “Edinburgh Marina is the perfect foundation for us to launch our brand in Scotland, opening a new era for Hyatt and creating a great new tourism opportunity for Edinburgh.”

Hyatt Regency Edinburgh Marina will include a 10,000 square foot conference and banqueting centre as well as a restaurant and bar. The new hotel will also feature a spa.

Hyatt Regency Edinburgh Marina is expected to open in 2021.

Handelsbanken, with the remainder by means of vendor loan. Stuart explains. “We spoke to a few potential funders and found Handelsbanken to be very supportive of our move to employee ownership, and they had the deal prepared quickly and efficiently.”

Sarah Deas, director at CDS, the arm of Scotland’s enterprise agencies which promotes employee ownership, said: “Stuart has spent over half his life building a successful and much-loved local business. By handing control over to a team that he knows and trusts, the hotel’s important standing in the community is protected, along with jobs and company ethos.

We’re thrilled to welcome The Priory Hotel to Scotland’s growing EO community and wish the business every success for its future.”

Peter Allen, account manager at HIE, said: “Transferring ownership to employees is a great option for business owners and we are delighted to help Stuart and Kenneth and the team through the process. Employee ownership is an effective way to drive business performance by boosting productivity, increasing employee engagement and keeping the company in the community. We would encourage anyone thinking about options for future structures to choose employee ownership to help build a more diverse and sustainable economy.”

Profits dip for Millennium & Copthorne Millennium & Copthorne which own the Millennium Hotel in Glasgow and the Copthorne Hotel in Aberdeen has seen third-quarter profits dip. The company blamed Brexit and global trade tensions for the pre-tax profits slump of 38.2% to the three months to September 30.

Revenue also dipped 3.8 per cent to £253 million in the period while revenue per available room fell 2.8 per cent to £87.23.

DECEMBER 2018 • HOTELSCOTLAND • 9

REVIEW OF THE This has been our first full year of publishing HOTEL SCOTLAND and there was certainly plenty to write about. So here is our roundup of 2018.

THE DEATH OF THE PLASTIC STRAWS

THE BEAST FROM THE EAST STRIKES

2018 was the year that hoteliers woke up to the plastic straw issue with hotels, not just in Scotland, but world-wide groups, banning them. The Hilton Group, Apex Hotels, AccorHotels, Interstate Europe Hotels & Resorts, Malmaison and Hotel du Vin and Marriott International to name but a few.

To give you an idea of the scale... Marriott reckons it will save one billion straws, Hilton five million straws (they have also removed plastic bottles – saving of 20 million plastic bottles).

Business nearly came to a standstill with the snow at the start of the year. Scotland had its first red snow alert for eight years as The Beast from the East rolled in and impacted The Scottish Tourism Alliance Conference which had to be postponed. It did, however, mean that hotels in the cities were full – unfortunately, they were full but understaffed with many employees not able to get to work. But everyone rallied around … Calum Ross GM at the Hilton in Glasgow’s William street took a turn of cleaning rooms, along with the 30 staff who managed in, to keep the hotel running!

EMPLOYEE-OWNED! Auchrannie Resort became the first Employeeowned resort in Scotland in January. Now an Employee Ownership Trust holds 100% of the company’s shares on behalf of its 160 employees.

It was a trail-blazing idea from founder, Linda Johnston. Auchrannie also celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2018. At the very end of the year,The Priory Hotel in Beauly became the second hotel to become employee-owned.The hotel, founded in 1972, by Stuart Hutton, has 39 bedrooms, and an Employee Ownership Trust has now been formed which will hold 72% of the shares on behalf of the employees. Kenneth Hutton, Stuart’s son, will retain the bulk of the remaining shareholding, to demonstrate that the family remains committed to the continuation of the hotel.

10 • HOTELSCOTLAND • DECEMBER JUNE 2017 2018

HIT Well done to Angela Vickers, CEO of Apex.

She successfully completed her ‘Last Man Standing’ challenge with a great Gin & Fashion afternoon at the beginning of November. She has also handed on the baton to yours truly.

So now I need to get off my mark.

DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM CHINA TO EDINBURGH...

Edinburgh Airport continued to do its bit for Scottish tourism by attracting direct flights from China to Edinburgh.

This could be even more important with Brexit looming!

YEAR 2018

FEATURE

MANAGEMENT CHANGES

SAILING ON TO THE BIG HOTEL IN THE SKY

In March Bernard Murphy, MD of Gleneagles Hotel left after 10 years at the hotel. Dominic McVey moved on from the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow after 15 years in charge the following month. However, his successor didn’t stay long with Mark Gallagher moving on after just six months in the job. Today that role has been filled by Jason Dombrower. Paul Bray moved from Westerwood Hotel to take up the role of General Manager Principal Grand Central with Graeme Gibson taking over as General Manager at the Glynhill.

Ken Gunn, co-owner of Sonas Hotels, died at the age of 67. He and wife Anne launched their first hotel, Toravaig House, in 2003 and he was a former Captain of the five-star cruise ship he Hebridean Princess. He and wife Anne were named Scottish Hoteliers of the Year and in 2018 they also received an award for their ‘outstanding contribution to the industry.’ He died shortly afterwards.

Peter Walker moved from Meldrum House Country Hotel and Golf Course to Maryculter House in Aberdeenshire as MD, with Jordan Charles taking over the role of General Manager at Meldrum. And just recently Marianne Clavé, who was the General Manager at One Devonshire Gardens for five years. Her successor is still to be revealed but in the meantime her number two, Manager Gary Shepherd, has stepped in.

NEW OPENINGS The Radisson Red, the first Red in the UK, opened doors in April at Finnieston with a wee dog in tow – Baxter – a French bulldog, as its mascot. Its rooftop bar also proved a hit with visitors and Hydro fans – so much so, at the weekend there’s a waiting list for the lift! It does, certainly, have an amazing view.

PAUL BRAY GM AT GRAND CENTRAL HOTEL, GLASGOW

TEA TRUMPS COFFEE AT THE HILTON Hilton Glasgow launched its Tea Lounge by Dilmah and boss Calum Ross had to be held back from jumping into the giant tea cup at the launch! However the tea cocktails were something to behold!

Edinburgh Grand opened its doors in Edinburgh – and it certainly is grand, while Native opened at Anchorline, another plush offering and the first in Scotland for the group. In Dundee, Hotel Indigo made its mark - while at the millennial end Moxy opened in Glasgow just last month. At the very opposite end of the market, The Fife Arms opened in Braemar – a luxury, and art-filled extravaganza.

DECEMBER 2018 • HOTELSCOTLAND • 11

FEATURE

AWARD WINNING

GDPR In May the EU General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) came into force and management were preoccupied with the ramifications of protecting guests data – and employees data. It remains one of the single biggest worries for hotels - as Marriott have just found out. The group owns, Starwood the largest hotel chain in the world and Starwood Hotels has suffered a hotel guest database breach which has seen the details of 500 million customers stolen. The breach was detected mid-September but it may date back to 2014. Some 327 million records contained guest’s name, postal address, phone number, date of birth, gender, email address, passport number, Starwood’s rewards information (including points and balance), arrival and departure information, reservation date and their communication preferences were taken, as well as, in some instances a number of records contained encrypted credit card data. The experts believe that every hotel group is open to this type of breach!

MEMORABLE INTERVIEWS

They have all been memorable but when I interviewed Nicola Taylor – we nearly talked all day! She combines a sense of humour with a real business head. It was great to catch up with Stephen Carter, who has now stepped down from his role as GM at the Old Course.

We had a lovely interview not long after he recovered from an operation. Then there was Dominic McVey – whose opening line was “I’m leaving,! But not before our interview!

Hans Rissman of The Strathaven Hotel was charming as was Stephen Leckie who Jason Caddy interviewed. He even managed to get him posing on a mini electric bike. Jason also loved meeting Angela Vickers of Apex. Thank you each and every one for making the time.

HOTELSCOTLAND• •DECEMBER SEPTEMBER 2018 1212• •HOTELSCOTLAND 2018

Knockendarroch picked up a Cesar from the Good Hotel Guide for the best Scottish Hotel (see our main interview with Struan Lothian).

Other accolades from the publication went to Kinloch Lodge which also took a Cesar. Other Scottish hotels mentioned either as an Editor’s Choice or in the discoveries list were the Three Chimneys,The House Over-by, both on Skye, and The Raeburn Hotel in Edinburgh. Meanwhile at the Scottish Thistle Awards Moor of Rannoch won the title Fisher’s Most Hospitable Hotel.

There obviously are numerous awards for Scottish hotels... too numerous to mention. But very well done to all concerned.

TOURISM LEVY A war of words broke out amongst City of Edinburgh Council and tourism bodies UK Hospitality and the Scottish Tourism Alliance.

This is going to roll and roll... with vigorous opposition from the hospitality sector, which obviously already pays the highest VAT in Europe and also the highest rates. The Glasgow Restaurant Association also came out against the The Tourism Levy writing to government that it would be “a tax too far”. At a time where small independant Tourism Businesses are already incredibly pressured financially and bottom lines are getting squeezed to a point where some are considering closure.”

The Scottish Tourism Alliance has urged hospitality businesses to “engage in the Scottish Government’s nationwide conversation around a tourism tax and to visit the online portal.”

(See our news pages).

RE-DESIGNS

HIT ...

Hit Scotland carried out 21 events this year. And David Cochrane, Chief Executive told Hotel Scotland that with each event requiring 5 meetings, approximately 105 meetings that the industry has volunteered to attend to support the industry with 97 volunteers across the committees. Says David, “This has led to the awarding of 218 scholarships that have been delivered locally, nationally and internationally.

These have ranged from students taking learning journeys to Lausanne and local craft scholarships, through to residential supervisory scholarships for emerging managers. A couple of great scholarship masterclasses have been the residential patisserie programme and the customer experience scholarship. Overall the events have generated £483,736 for the scholarships and bursaries that we have awarded. In addition, our corporate sponsors have been incredibly generous again this year.”

That is an incredible achievement - well done to all concerned.

The Balmoral in Edinburgh unveiled a complete re-design of the Scone & Crombie Suite, while the Hilton in Glasgow opened its new bar Whisky Mist. Lochside House in New Cumnock got a new function suite, while its sister hotel, The Royal Hotel in Cumnock, also had its public areas totally revamped by owners the RAD Group. Another hotel which underwent a total revamp of its bedrooms was One Devonshire – in a complete change from its dark and moody look – the new designer went for a more contemporary approach. Apex Hotels also gave its Dundee hotel a make-over. And in Glasgow, the summer saw the launch of The Blythswood Hotel’s new two-bedroomed penthouse.

ROLL ON 2019!

gorgeous a wisp of smoke.

A SPEYSIDE SINGLE MALT BEAUTIFULLY BALANCED WITH TM

FEATURE

HIGHLANDS UNDER STRAIN DESPITE TOURISM BOOM

INVERNESS HOTEL ASSOCIATION GIVES ITS VIEW ON WHAT IS CAUSING ACCOMMODATION PROVIDERS TO SHUT THEIR DOORS IN THE HIGHLANDS

B

rexit-related staff shortages, escalating rates and a half-hearted tourism strategy is set to see independent accommodation providers shutting their doors in the highlands.

That is stark the warning of a major body of hoteliers which claims a lack of central vision and support will see the region fail to cope with booming visitor numbers.

The creation of the North Coast 500 route has led to a hike in tourists and enterprise bosses have outlined ambitions to grow highland tourism revenue by an extra £600m.

However, Inverness Hotels Association, which represents 80 per cent of the capital’s provision, says staffing shortages are reaching crisis levels, with European applicants drying up due to Brexit fears.

Tourism generates the biggest demand for staff of all industry sectors in highlands, yet only 2030 hospitality students are currently undergoing training at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

The group wants to meet with government officials, council representatives and enterprise bodies to agree urgent measures to prevent a skills and infrastructure breakdown.

Rising staff and utility costs, looming threats of a 150% business rate hike and the impact of cheap Airbnb’s are pushing independent accommodation providers to the brink in Inverness.

14 • HOTELSCOTLAND • DECEMBER 2018

Emmanuel Moine, (left) who worked in the French hospitality sector prior to relocating to Inverness.

“We need to build a domestic workforce but there seems to be a lack of will and poor promotion of hospitality as a proper career in Scotland. That has to change.”

Scotland’s accommodation sector has been hit with business rate re-evaluations, employee Living Wage, apprenticeship and pension changes and VAT bills standing at the highest in Europe.

A ‘perfect storm’ of industry burdens has eaten away at profitability for smaller enterprises, despite greater demand for accommodation from overseas and UK tourists.

“What we need is a loosening of government financial burdens and a long-term vision. There is huge potential in highland tourism. The North Coast 500 has been terrific but there are very few hotel accommodation and eating options,” added Mr Moine.

“We know of one owner who had a small hotel but the costs got too high, she couldn’t get skilled staff and sold it.

“Last year, Highland councillors criticised hoteliers for raising prices at peak season but it is only possible a few weeks per year. No one mention hotels selling off rooms cheaply in winter. Instead of criticism, councils should be encouraging more hotels to open and developing Inverness centre.

“If nothing is done, smaller, independent or family businesses will be forced to close. It is already happening, not just in Inverness, across the highlands.

“Thousands of people are getting off cruise ships at Invergordon but they won’t go to Inverness. There’s nothing to do. Other than pubs, the place shuts down at 5 o’clock.”

“Chains will dominate because any business with 20-30 bedrooms can’t cope any more.

Profit is not there and staffing has become a complete nightmare. Since Brexit, CV’s coming from Europe have all but dried up,” said Inverness Hotels Association Chairman,

While the debate is ongoing about a Scottish ‘tourism tax’, the group feel it is another burden the sector in the highlands can ill afford.

Inverness Hotels Association, which is affiliated to The Scottish Tourism Alliance, will be writing to MSPs and councillors to seek talks.

Euan Tripp Corporate lawyer Hotels Team +44 (0)131 656 0242 euan.tripp@brodies.com

brodies.com

SUCCESSION PLANNING FOR FUTURE SUCCESS

L

ast time, I looked at how a hotel owner can seek a trade sale to realise value from their hotel. However, that is not the only route for an owner to successfully “exit” their business - in fact we are advising an increasing number of hotel companies on how best to deal with succession planning.

Previously this may have been an overlooked area, with more of a focus on pursuing growth in the immediate future - but more and more hotel owners are keen to implement a stable succession plan for their business, which helps to preserve and build value.

This can be achieved through a well-planned management buy-out (MBO), which allows those who know the business best to drive it forward while also having the benefit of continuity with guests, staff, suppliers and funders. The recent Strathmore Hotels MBO is a prime example of this working in practice.

Even where the business does not have an individual or management team ready to take on ownership, there is still an array of other strategies that can be used with the future in mind. Incentivising those within the business with the aim of them assuming ownership over a period of time is one popular strategy.

That itself can be achieved through a number of structures; such as option agreements, the issue of a new class of shares and/or promote agreements.

It is vital to get the structure right for your business - the background dynamics are different in every case and will usually require a bespoke solution with input from legal, tax and accounting professionals experienced in these areas. No matter the structure however, the thrust of the arrangements must be to properly incentivise the employee/manager – it will only work if it can truly provide a “win-win” to the owner and employee/manager.

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DECEMBER 2018 • HOTELSCOTLAND • 15

XXXXXXX FEATURE Farren Hotel Advisors is a multi purpose agency based in Scotland, providing solutions in revenue management and systems for hotels, not only in our local market, but across the UK. We excel in providing strategic and tactical support to identify opportunities for optimising your business. With years of hands on experience and expertise, from 3* inns to 5* luxury hotels, we are passionate about providing bespsoke, honest and trustworthy advice and guidance on the market’s most effective hotel management and revenue tools.

We aim to ensure systems and solutions are beneficial and fit for purpose for your hotel’s specific needs and budget, helping you to transform your business.

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Demand Optimisation - Outsourced Revenue Management Working closely with your hotel team, we can bring expertise and experience to drive your hotel’s topline room performance. Our remote service can be tailored to your business requirements, keep you up to date with the latest industry thinking and best practice and to deliver a pricing strategy to plays to your property’s strengths.

Revenue Management Consultancy Services We provide a range of consultancy services within the revenue management specialism, with full project management to ensure that successfully delivery, keeping the client fully informed every step of the way and enhancing business performance.

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This could mean reviewing the current technology deployed in the client’s business and how it is being utilised within the business or assistance with looking at upgrading the existing software.

Contact Neil Farren – Email: neil@farrenhotel.support Telephone: 0781 783 8773

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16 • HOTELSCOTLAND • DECEMBER JUNE 2017 2018

FESTIVE DRINKS

FESTIVE DRINKS NON ALCOHOLIC EGG NOG

GINGERBREAD COLADA

MOËT & CHANDON

Ginger Bread Colada is a cocktail worth putting on your menu. Take 40ml Bacardi Anejo Cuatro rum, 20ml Amaretto, 20ml Coco Lopez, 20ml gingerbread syrup, 50ml Pineapple ljuice and 10ml lemon juice.

Delicious.

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three coffee beans.

Egg nog is a great traditional drink – but you can make your non-drinking guests a non-alcholic one too. You need an egg yolk, 10g caster sugar, 75ml semi-skimmed milk, 15ml double cream, half a teaspoon vanilla essence, grated Nutmeg and a cinnamon stick. Just beat the egg and sugar together until mix turns pale and creamy, then add the rest of the ingredients. If you want to warm it up do it at a low heat and to make an alcoholic version add a measure of rum.

MAGNUM

Scotch cream liqueur Magnum has added a kick to its festive campaign by teaming up with Scottish rugby union legend, Gavin Hastings OBE. Magnum has appointed the famous full-back as its Brand Ambassador in the run up to this year’s Christmas party season.

As part of his new role, Gavin is providing the voiceover for Magnum’s first major TV advertisement ‘Where Two Forces Meet’. The ad showcases Magnum’s unique fusion of single malt Scotch whisky and cream, as well as its distinctive sleek packaging.

Magnum’s contemporary design sets it apart from traditional liqueurs. It is contained in a unique, stainless steel flask, which is designed to be reusable and recyclable.

It also keeps the liqueur chilled at the optimum temperature, without the need for ice.

Magnum is crafted and bottled in Edinburgh

by BenRiach Distillery.

www.poeticlicencedistillery.co.uk

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on ct Helen Dakin ase conta ation ple DECEMBER 2018 • HOTELSCOTLAND For more inform dcentraluk.com ran @b kin da len he 07708089955 or

• 17

A DREAM TEAM

18 • HOTELSCOTLAND • DECEMBER 2018

INTERVIEW

Struan and Louise Lothian own and run the Knockendarroch Hotel in Pitlochry, which recently was awarded a César by the Good Hotel Guide taking the title of Scottish Hotel Of The Year for 2019. This award is for hoteliers that have demonstrated excellence in their field. SUSAN YOUNG caught up with Struan at the hotel to find out more.

S

itting perched on a hill overlooking Pitlochry the Knockendarroch Hotel is a four-star luxury hotel with wonderful views and a real country house feel. A roaring fire, lovely artwork and contemporary and classy décor add to the ambience. The hotel, which now has 14 rooms, has been owned by Struan and Louise Lothian for the past four years, and during that time they have added two suites and largely refurbished the hotel.

And their endeavours are very much appreciated by their guests. A recent reviewer said, “This place is perfect down to the last detail.” While the gurus behind the Good Hotel Guide said, “Providing warm and welcoming service is a top priority for Struan and Louise Lothian at their friendly hotel in Perthshire...”

It’s a far cry from marine biology which Struan studied at St Andrew’s, and his subsequent job in private equity in London - wife Louise was also in finance and they met working for Price Waterhouse in Edinburgh, before moving to London. But fourteen years ago the couple decided to give up London life and buy a hotel. Struan explains, “I am not sure to this day why we wanted to do it. One day out of the blue I suggested to Louise we bought a hotel and she agreed. We then spent six months looking for a hotel in Scotland. I must have seen 60 or 70. Our financial backgrounds definitely helped identify the good ones. We didn’t have a huge budget so we wanted an affordable hotel and we ended up buying Kylesku in Sutherland. It was part hotel, part restaurant and part pub. We did a lot of food – up to 150 covers a day. It was an

amazing place, and quite wild – from our window, we could see nine miles down the loch and there was just nothing but mountains and water! We had a boat, fished our own lobster creels and started our family there. It was exciting. We were also only open seven months a year, so we had fantastic holidays. It was a great experience.”

He continues, “But we realised that as the kids grew up our life would become more restricted, particularly when they started school. So we sold Kylesku to Tanja Lister and Sonia Virechauveix and we bought a guest house in Pitlochry, Torrdarach House, which we fully refurbished and ran for three years. When we moved to Pitlochry we probably didn’t realise at first what a great place it is to have a hotel, so despite loving Torrdarach House, we were soon on the search for a full service hotel again.”

Says Struan, “We bought Knockendarroch off-market. Over the years we had got to know the owners and although they weren’t ready to sell when I first broached the subject, we eventually managed to persuade them and we took over 18 months later. For us, Knockendarroch was the only hotel we really wanted.”

Since taking over four years ago Struan and Louise have transformed the hotel. Says Struan, “This was already a lovely hotel, but it’s been push, push, push... We have delivered new bedrooms, bathrooms and public spaces and two new suites. One of the reasons we were attracted to the hotel originally was because it had a three bedroomed house which was separate to the hotel. This is the holy grail for any small DECEMBER 2018 • HOTELSCOTLAND • 19

hotelier with a young family. However, with expansion in mind, we quickly concocted a plan to build a house in the grounds and converted the original house into two suites, linked to the hotel via a new corridor. It may not seem much increasing from 12 to 14 rooms but that is a near 17% increase, it’s made a big difference.”

He adds, “We didn’t particularly have a vision when we took over Kylesku, but Knockendarroch was our third business and we definitely had an idea of what we wanted to do. It was already a well-loved hotel, but we wanted to take it to the next level and I like to think we have at least in part achieved this.”

Certainly, he is very happy with the improved rooms and new suites although he credits Louise with their contemporary new look. He tells me, “We use the word contemporary. I don’t think they will date quite as quickly as more fashionable designs might. We have done here what was needed to create a great experience, but we also needed to ensure enough profit to make a reasonable living and enough to allow us to continue to invest in our product.”

He continues, “I believe much of our success comes from beating expectations – and that is important no matter what level you operate at. We are not the best or most luxurious hotel in Scotland but I believe our recent award comes back to the fact that we beat guest expectations most of the time – whatever standards our guests expect, we try to exceed them, and our success is rooted in this concept. Our phenomenal team is key to delivering this vision and their skill and tireless hard work must be recognised. All the components, from the food we offer, to the front of house experience and the quality of the rooms all play a part. I so admire people who run 5-star venues and still beat expectations.

That’s a real art. Hotels like Claridges nail it.”

Struan also brings his financial background into play when it comes to reinvesting.

“Unless you are making money you can’t reinvest. It really is a chicken and egg situation.

You do have to put the profits back in, and if you are not making enough profit you end up underinvested. You may be a great host, but your product and the fabric of the building and grounds must be well looked after.”

He adds, “There are countless small hotels in what should be impressive buildings that are struggling. The owners don’t have enough profit to reinvest and it becomes a vicious circle. But being a hotelier is not rocket science. It is in large part just common sense and a lot of hard work. And you need to get your product right and know your numbers – inside out and back to front. Our financial background must have helped. We have 20 • HOTELSCOTLAND • DECEMBER 2018

“We are not the best or most luxurious hotel in Scotland but I believe our recent award comes back to the fact that we beat guest expectations most of the time.” always understood the impact of small or incremental cost changes. I remember back at the beginning we added a sprinkle of parmesan to our pasta dishes – it was the right thing to do but that small change cost £900 a year. That was a significant amount of money.”

He continues, “Our biggest cost is our staff and rightly so. We run this hotel as efficiently as we can, and I think we are pretty good at that. If you are overstaffed that can lead to inefficiencies and poor standards and staff hanging about, and we are at our most vulnerable when we are quiet, that’s when mistakes happen.

“We have a low ratio of staff cost to turnover compared to the industry norm, but we are not compromising on the guest experience as our award shows. None of our staff does more than 50 hours a week, and generally holding on to staff is fine. If you treat staff well you have a good chance of holding on to them. Inevitably staff do move on and replacing them can be difficult. Unless they are local you have to offer accommodation and that is an expensive business.”

On the subject of Brexit Struan is hoping for a solution to the employment issue. He comments, “I’m particularly interested in the stopping of free movement which will affect people coming to Scotland to work in tourism. Who on earth is going to do these jobs? British people don’t apply. Of the last 100 or so people who have applied here only a handful were British. If Brits aren’t applying now I wonder why they would suddenly start applying after Brexit. We are working on the premise that a mechanism will be found to alleviate the problem.”

Struan and Louise now open eleven months of the year – they close for Christmas and re-open at the beginning of February. Part of the reason they have such a long season is because Pitlochry is flourishing.

Struan filled me in. “Pitlochry is booming.

Highland Perthshire is stunning and there is so much to see and do. There are also some great annual events in Pitlochry. The Enchanted Forest, which was started by the Forestry Commission many years ago is now run by a wonderful community organisation and brings 70,000 people to Pitlochry in

INTERVIEW

October! This means we are as busy then as we are in the summer. The Pitlochry Festival Theatre also attracts around 100,000 people a year, and of course, we have an affinity because it started in a tent in the garden of Knockendarroch in 1951. We have carried on the tradition of doing a pretheatre menu and transporting guests to the theatre by coach.

“Pitlochry in Bloom has also been a tremendous success.”

One of the drivers of the Pitlochry boom is a website which is funded by the members of the Pitlochry Partnership which Struan is a member of. He explains, “There are 124 businesses in the partnership and we pay a membership fee which, alongside being used to invest in worthwhile local projects, largely goes towards the costs of running the pitlochry.org website. The website is huge and is the definitive source of information on Pitlochry and it is now one of the most successful destination websites in Scotland.

Each member has a wee ad on the site which links directly to their own website.

This link is one of the main drivers of referred links to our Knockendarroch website. We take time and spend good money ensuring the Pitlochry.org site stays current and we have certainly created momentum with it. It’s a real success.”

Certainly, it seems like hotels and businesses

are flourishing in the town. Struan tells me they have all ‘sharpened their pencils’ and have ‘improved their offering.’ But also attributes this to the phenomena that is Tripadvisor.

“Tripadvisor hadn’t taken off when we started out. There has been an amazing change in the past 14 years. This industry is quite a different place now. Guest experience across the industry has been improved as has value for money and quality of product. As an owner/manager it is an arguably more stressful place to be – every decision or interaction you make must be considered – at the back of your mind is always the thought this could go on Tripadvisor. We all make mistakes, but it is how you handle these mistakes that matters, whether it is a service error or a dodgy shower! We are pretty good at correcting things when they go inevitably wrong. Few product markets are as unforgiving as the hotel and restaurant sector, and it is all about how you win the guest back when things go wrong. That’s a real skill. If something goes wrong with your new car you will patiently wait a long time to get it fixed, but in hospitality, the average guest is less patient and with the spectre of Tripadvisor hanging over us we need to stay focused.”

And that they do, that’s why Knockendarroch is award-winning. The Good Hotel Guide

award is an accolade that the couple treasure. Says Struan, “For us this is the ultimate award from the definitive independent hotel guide. We do not pay and you have no control over whether you will be included or not or what they will say.

Winning the Cesar for Scottish Hotel of The Year is a real honour.”

One of the reasons the hotel is so successful is that it is very much a team effort. Struan smiles, “Louise and I work very well together as long as we are not doing the same job at the same time. Louise is more focused on front of house, service, housekeeping, bookkeeping and accounting – she has a keen eye for detail. While I am more kitchen, marketing, maintenance and development orientated. A lot of my time is spent on development and we are always working on new projects – just last week we upgraded all our hot water cylinders – I also know where every wire and pipe is in the hotel – for when the wee problems happen.

For anything major, I would call in the professionals, but I am reasonably practical.

I had to learn pretty fast in Kylesku as we were so remote. When we bought Kylesku the owners Patrick and Imelda had a protocol for everything, and they talked us through it. They were tremendously helpful and happily showed us how to do everything. Patrick was also at the end of the telephone whenever we needed him.

We have always tried to sell on the same basis. We are all in this industry together and that is part of the value of the package we are selling. I like to think we did the same for Sonia and Tanja in Kylesku and Graeme and Susanna who bought Torrdarach. That said, when you buy a place you do spend the first two years moaning about all the things the last owners didn’t do! You get over it though. We had lunch yesterday with the lovely couple we bought Knockendarroch from – they tell us we got a bargain, we list all the things they should have spent more money on! Well seen we are good friends.

Certainly, our most valuable mentors in this industry have been the people that we have purchased from. You should never underestimate the knowledge of the people selling. I would always advise buyers to try and purchase on good terms. That relationship could be your potential ticket out of trouble.”

As for the future, Struan tells me that he and Louise aren’t particularly entrepreneurial and are planning on consolidating for the next wee while. And as he walked me out he showed me their new little shopping area in the hotel which has some mementoes for people to purchase – I can’t imagine that the couple will be resting on their laurels any time soon.

DECEMBER 2018 • HOTELSCOTLAND • 21

22 • HOTELSCOTLAND • DECEMBER 2018

DESIGN FOCUS

BY SUSAN YOUNG

THE FIFE ARMS MAR ROAD, BRAEMAR, ABERDEENSHIRE

T

he transformation of The Fife Arms in Braemar is now complete and the hotel has re-opened just in time for Christmas. This 19thcentury Victorian coaching inn has been rewoven for the 21st century by owners, Iwan and Manuela Wirth, who bought the hotel a couple of years ago and who also own Roth Bar & Grill and Durslade Farmhouse in Bruton at Hauser & Wirth Somerset; The Bull Inn at Hardway in Bruton and the Manuela Restaurant at Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles.

They couple are also co-Presidents of Hauser & Wirth, founded in Zurich in 1992 and today admired as one of the world’s most important and influential galleries for modern and contemporary art.They also are founders of a new hospitality enterprise that combines love for art, culture, and food with a dedication to building community and fostering environmental sustainability which is exactly what they have done at The Fife Arms.

The transformation of The Fife Arms was inspired by the dramatic landscape, colourful stories and rich cultural connections of Braemar. It’s also a paradise for art lovers – in keeping with Iwan and Manuela Wirth’s decades-long dedication to modern and contemporary art as co-founders of the acclaimed global gallery Hauser & Wirth.

As a result, more than 12,000 works of art, antiques, and objects have been thoughtfully integrated into its every room, corridor and corner. Each piece is placed not merely to provide visual pleasure but also to tell stories and enhance the experience of staying here and that includes some newly commissioned contemporary works.

The new look as also been driven by the owners’ passion for the heritage and craft of the region, and they brought together a cast of architects, designers, craftspeople and artists, many with deep ties to Scotland, with a similar ethos. The interiors are by Russell Sage Studio, bring a strong Scottish narrative with the use of specially designed tweed, tartan, hand-printed wall coverings, rare specimens of the natural world, obscure treasures and whimsical curios.

American artist, writer and naturalist James Prosek designed the hotel’s coat of arms and the logo for the public bar, now named The Flying Stag. These contributions are complemented by an array of mainly Scottish artworks collected for the hotel, from important paintings and drawings to prints, pamphlets, caricatures and a delicate watercolour of a stag’s head painted by Queen Victoria.

The new-look Fife Arms has 46 bedrooms, including suites, a restaurant overlooking the River Clunie, a cocktail bar, a Library, playroom, spa, village bar and garden.

When you enter the hotel you cannot miss the monumental 19th-century mahogany and pine chimneypiece which is over 3 metres tall. This tour de force, discovered at Montrave House, Fife, was carved by Gerrard Robinson (18341891) with depictions of various scenes from the work of Scottish lyricist and poet Robert Burns. It was restored by Tom Ironside, whose workshop is just 20 miles from the hotel.

The era-spanning spirit of The Fife Arms is perhaps best expressed by the contrast between two chandeliers made expressly for the hotel: one has been fashioned according to longstanding Scottish tradition from hundreds DECEMBER 2018 • HOTELSCOTLAND • 23

DESIGN FOCUS

of magnificent antlers ethically sourced by Gareth Guy of The Horn Shop in Braemar, while the other has been created by Los Angelesbased American artist Richard Jackson, whose joyful interpretation this Scottish decorative classic is an assemblage of cast glass antlers lit from within.

It’s not just the public areas that have bespoke furnishing. Each bedroom and suite at The Fife Arms offers its own one-of-a-kind furnishings and décor, each one a homage to a place, person, event or activity integral to the life and legacy of Braemar. All of these stories have been meticulously researched with the help of consulting historians from Aberdeen University – and translated into design elements, to tell these local stories and share them with guests.

The celebrated figures include Robert Louis Stevenson, who began to write Treasure Island whilst on holiday in Braemar, staying in a house a stone’s throw from the hotel and the poet Lord Byron who as a child, lived for a while at a farm just east of Ballater with his Scottish mother.

Moxon architects, based in Crathie and London, were the master planners of the refurbishment.

No doubt it helped that the firm is headed by Ben Addy, who grew up in Aberdeenshire. As a result, it has been a careful, sensitive and craft restoration of the listed building, which includes sympathetic alterations to ensure the key areas of the hotel have been opened up, to give easier 24 • HOTELSCOTLAND • DECEMBER 2018

access to both locals and visitors.

This includes the restoration of the hotel’s original public bar, now re-named as The Flying Stag. This will be a place where the owners hope locals will rub elbows with visitors, at the oak bar hewn by Tom Addy,.During the hotel’s renovation, a number of other artists were invited to take up residence in Braemar and to immerse themselves in the local landscape and the community. Among them was Scottish luminary Alec Finlay, who was commissioned to create “Gathering,” a poetic guide to the Cairngorms that uses place-names and their underlying meanings to explain the landscape, ecology and lives that have been lived in the area. Words and lines taken from this book have been carved into the custom-made bed headboards in some of the guestrooms. They were designed by Alec Dinaldy and made by Briodie’s Timber. The doors too were made by hand by David Urquhart joinery. David made several hundred doors by hand, in his workshop - for the guest rooms and public areas. While Urquhart Stonemasonry in Aboyne restored the hotel’s portico, and repointed and laid the slate floor with local materials.

The Fife Arms spokesperson Lucinda Buxton says of the hotel, “has been reimagined to fill visitors with a sense of delight and discovery.”

She is not wrong.

During the hotel’s renovation a number of artists were invited to take up residence in Braemar and immerse themselves in the local landscape and the community.

DECEMBER 2018 • HOTELSCOTLAND • 25

BY SUSAN YOUNG

MOXY

210 HIGH STREET, GLASGOW

M

oxy Hotels, Marriott International’s experiential hotel brand, opened in Glasgow recently at High Street.

Moxy is described by the company as being ‘playful and edgy’, and it is certainly that. No doubt millennials will enjoy the pool table, giant Jenga and large Connect Four games in the hotel’s public areas – not to mention the giant teddy that has taken up residence.

Add to that a funky design which includes cage-like hanging chairs on the right as you walk in, an industrial concrete floor, and graffitistyle murals.

The arty theme continues throughout with spray paint cans, stencils, paint drips and stains on the walls and floors as well as the use of ship lights as a nod to the River Clyde’s shipbuilding heritage. The millennial-focused hotel brand wants to encourage guests to ‘break the rules and play on’.

The hotel has an eclectic funky bar in a prime position that doubles as check-in. Behind this, there is a small gym, and facilities to microwave your own meals. This hotel is all about selfservice – this allows guests access to what they want, whenever they want it with the Moxy dining area offering lots of options for food and 26 • HOTELSCOTLAND • DECEMBER 2018

drink including fresh juices and a coffee bar.

There are also Meet Up rooms aimed at techsavvy travellers are located in the lobby with the latest technology and superfast Wi-Fi. Belvar, the management group operating the hotel, continue to evolve the Moxy Hotels as each one opens. CEO Mads Jacobsen commented, “Each hotel has its own personality, showcasing eclectic art that will resonate with locals and guests alike. For us it’s more than just bedrooms, it’s a way of doing things differently in the hotel arena. We aim to deliver the ‘human touch’ with our approach to customer service with the focus on the bar and playful crew.”

Talking of bedrooms this hotel has 181, each with a unique Glasgow comic mural on the wall.

It has four bedroom styles including 51 new style upgraded Moxified Peak Sleeper rooms that have views of the city and little extras including tea and coffee machines. The hotel also has 9 family rooms, 71 standard queensized rooms and a further 50 double bedrooms.

Currently operating 13 Moxy hotels, Belvar opened its first Moxy in Aberdeen in 2016 and has opened 3 London hotels in the last 18 months. Belvar has 7 planned openings next year within Europe including Edinburgh, York, Southampton, Paris and Verona.

The arty theme continues throughout with spray paint ans, stencils paint drips and stains on the wall and floors.

DESIGN FOCUS

DECEMBER 2018 • HOTELSCOTLAND • 27

HIT XXXXXXX

T

he HIT Christmas bash was a resounding success. Guests really got into the Christmas spirit t the Crowne Plaza, Glasgow.

28 • HOTELSCOTLAND • DECEMBER 2018

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PEOPLE

STEWARTS SET TO RETIRE NEW AREA MANAGER FOR JURYS INN David Shiels, 29, has been appointed Area General Manager for Edinburgh’s Jurys Inn properties. In this newly created position, David will oversee four properties, including: Jurys Inn Edinburgh, Leonardo Boutique Hotel Simpson Edinburgh, Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh Murrayfield and Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket.

Jurys Inn and Leonardo Hotels are part of the Fattal Hotel Group, a leading European and Middle Eastern hotel operator with over 190 hotels in 17 countries. At the end of 2017, Fattal partnered on the acquisition of the Jurys Inn Hotel Group and now operates 44 hotels in the UK and Ireland under two brands, Leonardo and Jurys Inn. David has ten years’ experience with Jurys Inn, having previously served as General Manager of Jurys Inn Edinburgh and Jurys Inn Southampton. His new role will see his work expand to include the three Leonardo Hotels in Edinburgh and to oversee the recently confirmed £32m investment in the redevelopment and expansion of the existing Jurys Inn Edinburgh hotel and its neighbouring site.

The investment includes proposed plans to convert an adjacent listed building to a new 131-room NYX Hotel by Leonardo Hotels and the development of 31 new residential units on the 1.2 acre Jeffrey Street site.

Jason Carruthers, Managing Director of Leonardo and Jurys Inn Hotels UK and Ireland says, “We are delighted to announce David Shiels in this newly created position, Area General Manager Edinburgh. This is a truly exciting time for the Group as we expand our offering in Edinburgh and David has a proven track record to deliver exceptional experiences for our guests and drive the performance of the hotels in this key city.”

30 • HOTELSCOTLAND • DECEMBER 2018

Jeff Stewart and wife Geraldine have put their hotel in Brought Ferry on the market and are set to retire. The couple, who have run The Hotel Broughty Ferry for 15 years, have been in the hospitality business for 53 years, starting out as publicans. Says Jeff, “The time spent in the hospitality industry has been a fantastic journey. There have been many changes. When we started in 1965 a pint of beer was 10 pence, you could buy 10 pints for a pound and today it varies from £3.50 to £4.00 per pint! We have both been licence holders for over half a century.

As we are both in our 70s, our family has persuaded us to have a well-earned rest after 53 years behind bars!”

A couple of years ago the Jeff picked up a Lifetime Achievement award at the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards. It well deserved.

The hotel which has 16 en-suite bedrooms, a lounge bar and restaurant, and a swimming pool and gymnasium, is a 4-star small hotel and is on the market for £830,000 through Christie & Co. Christie & Co is seeking an asking price of £830,000 for the freehold interest of The Hotel Broughty Ferry.

PROMOTION FOR TRUMP TURNBERRY CHEF Chef Callum Dow has been promoted to Executive Head Chef at the Trump Turnberry. Callum joined the hotel as Chef De Cuisine in 2017 and was promoted to Executive Sous Chef within six months. He has now been appointed Executive Head Chef role. His remit includes the 1906 restaurant, the Grand Tea Lounge & Bar, The Duel in the Sun, The Lighthouse Halfway House and the Chef’s Table.

Callum has over 17 years of experience – including two years as Executive Head Chef at Balbirnie House – he also worked for a year as Head Chef at Gleneagles Deseo restaurant and enjoyed time at Airth Castle, The Mytton & Mermaid, Shrewsbury, and one Michelin star restaurant, Longueville Manor, Jersey.

Callum said: “I am extremely honoured to be heading up the kitchens at one of the most iconic hotels in Scotland. I had to pinch myself when I was approached to take the reins as Executive Head Chef.

Ralph Porciani, General Manager at Trump Turnberry, said: “Callum is an integral part of our family here at Trump Turnberry. He is an exciting talent whose passion and energy for delivering freshly prepared, high quality food will continue to build the hotel’s reputation for offering a first-class dining experience to anyone who comes through our doors.”

DAN ROSE-BRISTOW TAKES OVER CHAIRMANSHIP OF PRIDE OF BRITAIN HOTELS Dan Rose-Bristow the Joint Managing Director of The Torridon Hotel has just been appointed Chairman of Pride of Britain Hotels. At the same time as the announcement he was in London to pick up a Catey for The Torridon which received the accolade Independent Hotel of the Year.

The Pride of Britain membership is limited to 50 properties, and Dan was Vice-Chairman of the organisation before being appointed to his current role. He takes over from Kate Levin.

Dan Rose–Bristow, Chairman, Pride of Britain Hotels, comments “I am looking forward to the challenge ahead. Pride of Britain Hotels is a wonderful collection of hotels and it is an exciting time to be more involved.”

WHAT’S XXXXXXXX NEW

Glengoyne distillery launches teapot dram batch No.006 Glengoyne has announced the release of the Teapot Dram Batch No. 006.

Katy Macanna, Brand Manager for Glengoyne, said, “The Teapot Dram is a firm favourite amongst Glengoyne fans, and we’re delighted to share the latest release in the series. We’re incredibly proud of our history here at Glengoyne, and that’s why we continue to craft our whisky in the same unhurried way as we have done for more than 185 years.

“Our team is a vital part of that history, and the Teapot Dram series helps to tell the story of one of our old and most treasured distillery traditions.”

The sixth release in the Teapot Dram series, Batch No. 006 is matured in first fill Oloroso sherry oak casks and has a natural, rich amber hue and notes of cinnamon, marzipan and cloves. Bottled unchillfiltered at cask strength, 2772 bottles of Teapot Dram Batch No. 006 are available to purchase.

SPYTAIL GIN UPDATES BOTTLE Spytail Ginger Rum is now available across the UK in an updated bottle, celebrating the intrigue and mystery of French underwater exploration. Owned by spirits merchants, Biggar & Leith and distributed in the UK by When We Are Giants, Spytail is based on a 19th Century French recipe of infusing fresh ginger and spices in Cognac barrels.

The bottle is heavily embossed with a submarine port-hole as well as the latitude and longitude that give a nod to Jules Vernes’ final resting place in France. The red, white and navy blue label, based on the French Tricolor flag, is adorned with a mythical fish and barrel. The heavy stopper is crafted from metal and embossed with the words “Voyages Extraordinaires” – a nod to deep-sea exploration.

Benromach unveils limited edition 1978 vintage Benromach Distillery has released a limited-edition Scotchmalt whisky matured for 40 years in a single Refill Sherry Hogshead cask. Building on the popularity of previous vintage releases from the 1970s, 184 bottles of Benromach 1978, from cask number 2608, are available for worldwide sale.

Keith Cruickshank, Benromach distillery manager, said, “We are confident our 1978 vintage will surpass expectations and are proud to be releasing such a rare and precious whisky during the 20th anniversary year of distilling restarting here at Benromach.”

ISLE OF SKYE DISTILLERS LAUNCHES MISTY ISLE VODKA

A Portree-based distillery has launched the first vodka to be produced on the Isle of Skye. Misty Isle Vodka is the newest member of the premium spirit family from Isle of Skye Distillers, and the first vodka to be distilled on the island. Alistair Wilson, Managing Director at Isle of Skye Distillers, said, “It has been our ambition to create Skye’s very first vodka since we founded the distillery almost three years ago, and we’re delighted to announce its release.” He continued, “While gin is our signature product, the launch of Misty Isle Vodka helps show not only how diverse our small-batch distillery can be, but also the quality of the spirits which can be created with local botanicals harvested in Skye. Our distillation and filtering process makes Misty Isle Vodka less harsh than many traditional vodkas – it’s smooth enough to sip neat.”

DECEMBER AUGUST 2018 • HOTELSCOTLAND • 31

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CHECKOUT Building a hotel can be challenging but imagine what the builders and contractors behind the new InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland have been up against. It is the world’s first underground hotel and it stretches 88m underground and has been built into the side wall of an abandoned quarry. The new hotel is mostly subterranean, with two floors above ground and 16 below ground, with two floors underwater. All of the hotel’s 336 rooms and suites provide living spaces with views of waterfalls and the surrounding cliffs. The underwater loft has two levels: the landing deck at water level houses the outdoor terrace and bedroom, whilst the underwater living room are encased within a turquoise aquarium where guests will be surrounded by schools of fish swim by. It sounds like something out of a James Bond movie!

The DoubleTree Hilton in Glasgow have been raising money for the Beatson, and the bar team came up with a great idea of developing a stout (in conjunction with Drygate). The team helped design, brew and even drew the label. All the profits from the sale of the Stout are going directly to the Charity. A great idea. We missed the launch but we will be popping in to try the stout shortly.

The new Fife Arms in Braemar has been a labour of love for all the people involved, particularly the craftsmen.

From blacksmiths, to artists, carvers to illustrators – it is a living, breathing celebration of Scottish art and Braemar heritage. It opens on the 20th December. I wish them all the very best.

At the very opposite end of the spectrum is the new Moxy in Glasgow – talk about millennial! You even have to cook your own food. It looks very contemporary, and there are lots of quirky features. But I am obviously no millennial – I like getting my food made for me in a hotel!

The National Geographic Magazine has rated Dundee alongside Antarctica, Cambodia, Hong Kong and Indonesia in a list of the world’s “must-see” destinations for next year following the opening of the V&A museum. The city was rated number 15 in National Geographic’s 2019 “Cool List,” I’m sure Dundonians will be happy with that!

34 • HOTELSCOTLAND • DECEMBER 2018

FROM THE EDITOR The Glasgow Restaurant Association has written to the Scottish Government backing The Scottish Tourism Alliance and UK Hospitality, in condemnation of the proposed tourism levy by Edinburgh. This is the letter that Chairman Ryan James wrote, “It is the view of The Glasgow Restaurant Association that The Tourism Levy would be a tax too far. At a time where small independent Tourism Businesses are already incredibly pressured financially and bottom lines are getting squeezed to a point where some are considering closure. In Scotland where many Regions still experience longer shoulder periods than busy months getting business in a fairly crowded market is already a challenge. It is our thought that should The Levy go ahead the cost will have to be borne by the businesses and not passed on to clients in an effort to keep rack rates and prices stable. One only has to look at sites like Itison where hotels are bulk selling rooms and services at over 50% discount on rack rate to see how occupancy is a serious problem. It is also our thought that a Levy would add yet another layer of administration to our already over burdened paper work trails. The costs in redesigning software and epos systems would be significant. In our view we should be looking to our near neighbours in Eire who are encouraging Tourism by a Vat Reduction rather than seeking ways to seek further taxation.

Tourism is one of our keys generators of growth in Scotland and employs hundreds and thousands of people. Surely we should be seeking ways to encourage that and foster it rather than disable the great work that we are doing. It is maybe true that Edinburgh is at capacity. That is an isolated example of a Capital City that has a 365 days a year demand and enjoys a completely different reality than the rest of Scotland. Devolving the powers to Local Councils though is dangerous in our view as cash strapped Councils will see The Levy as a welcome income stream, in these cash strapped times, without any thought for the long term damage. We urge the Scottish Government to reject this scheme and look further into ways of encouraging business, like a Vat Reduction, in the coming months rather than squeezing our Sector further for a very short term gain that will in the long term damage our Tourism reputation and wealth creation for the greater good.”

Finally... It’s been a busy year, and I’m delighted to reach the end of it. Thank you all for your support over the last 12 months – and I hope you continue to find Hotel Scotland a good read.

Here’s to 2019.

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