Hotel Scotland Issue 11

HOTELSCOTLAND 11 – AUGUST 2018 ISSN 2515-8287

INTERVIEW:

STEPHEN LECKIE CRIEFF HYDRO

DESIGNS ON THE EDINBURGH GRAND

– sleep delivered As one of the UK’s leading manufacturers in the bedding industry, dùsal duvets, pillows, mattress toppers and protectors are a firm favourite amongst hoteliers, retailers and interior designers alike.

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W

hen it comes to hosting guests in any accommodation, ensuring you provide quality bedding is absolutely essential for creating that crucial aspect of any trip away – a perfect sleep environment.

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receive the perfect bedding for your guests to enjoy.

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CONTENTS 4

NEWS

9 FOCUS:

TOURISM TAX

12 WHISKY

9 T

WELCOME

• TOURISM TAX

When it comes to new hotels and refurbishment we always have plenty to write about and this issue is no different. Jocelyn O’Keefe visited the Edinburgh Grand and Edinburgh’s Apex Grassmarket Hotel.

18 INTERVIEW:

STEPHEN LECKIE

23 DESIGN FOCUS:

he recent tourism figures paint a great picture, but what impact would a tourism tax have on our tourism figures? Jason Caddy investigates on Page 9 and he certainly got a feel for how the industry feels.

This month he also paid a visit to Crieff to catch up with Crieff Hydro boss Stephen Leckie. It’s a great read on page 18.

15 NEW MANAGERS

APEX GRASSMARKET

26 FOCUS:

THE EDINBURGH GRAND

30 WHAT’S NEW

18

34 CHECK OUT

• STEPHEN LECKIE

General Managers are the lifeblood of the industry and on pages 15 - 18 we take a look at some who have taken on new posts over the last year. Each and every one has a passion for the industry.

Thank you for your feedback on the magazine. It’s great to hear that you appreciate it. If you would like to see a subject covered please get in touch.

See you the first week in September.

Susan Young Editor

23

• APEX GRASSMARKET

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

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

27

• THE EDINBURGH GRAND

Editor: Susan Young Editorial: Jocelyn O’Keefe, Jason Caddy Commercial Consultant: Lynn Kelly: Advertising: Sylvia Forsyth.

Production: Lorraine Gourlay, 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.

AUGUST 2018 • HOTELSCOTLAND • 3

£10M HOTEL GETS UNDERWAY IN HAMILTON Work has started on a new Hampton by Hilton Hamilton Park at Hamilton Park Racecourse. The £10m hotel will have 118 rooms and banqueting facilities and is expected to be open by summer 2019.

Robertson Group is serving as lead contractor on the project which was approved by South Lanarkshire Council in December 2017. The hotel will be built using traditional construction methods and modular techniques which allows for the reduction in build time.

An independent economic impact study suggested that the hotel will generate an additional £5.9m per year in visitor expenditure. It is also expected to attract additional wedding and event business as well as being used by people attending the racecourse.

Vivien Currie, chief executive at Hamilton Park Racecourse, said, “We are pleased to be working with Robertson on this landmark project for Hamilton Park which has been driven by both public demand, not only for race days but also for other events.”

“One of our main business objectives has been to welcome an event to Hamilton Park on at least every other day of the year, whether that’s a race day for thousands of visitors, a board meeting or that extra special wedding day,” added Vivien.

“We have a fantastic venue with unique grounds and first-class facilities that we continue to invest heavily in to ensure that we are meeting the constantly evolving expectations of our customers. The addition of the hotel will undoubtedly complement and expand the range of services we are able to offer.”

Fonab celebrats 5th anniversary Five-star Fonab Castle Hotel in Perthshire has celebrated its fifth anniversary in style. General Manager Niall Thompson and his staff marked the milestone by cutting a specially designed cake baked as a miniature replica of the 19th century turreted castle which overlooks stunning Loch Faskally near Pitlochry.

Niall Thompson said, “Our fifth anniversary is an exciting milestone as we embark on our latest programme of development, slated for 2018/19. In the last five years,we have invested £2 million in the hotel, increasing our capacity from 26 bedrooms to 42 bedrooms, with an average of £25,000 spent per room

on soft furnishings alone. Going forward, we are looking to develop the hotel further, adding another ten rooms, developing the lounge and restaurant areas in addition to enhancing facilities at the Spa, so we continue to offer clients exceptional quality and an excellent stay.”

Originally built as a holiday home for the Sandeman family and latterly the head office for the Scottish Hydro Board, Fonab was bought by Joanne and Jed Clark, refurbished in 2003 and officially opened for use as their daughter’s wedding venue in 2013. As the hotel celebrates its fifth birthday, the sense of family continues to hold firm in the way the hotel operates and treats its guests.

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

NEWS Robertson Property has revealed plans to build a 3-star, 90-bed hotel as well as a 99-bed student accommodation development at Abbey Park in St Andrews.

Robertson intends to submit a planning application to Fife Council later this summer, and should planning permission be granted, the target opening date is autumn 2020.

The company has already consulted with the local community and revised the development plan to reflect the feedback they received.

Gleneagles has launched Ochil House, a unique new meeting and events space. The impressive house is 380sqm in size and encompasses six rooms, each with their own distinctive flair and all named after original rooms in the hotel, including The Card Room, The Reading Room, The Writing Room and The Broadcasting Room. The space is available to book exclusively for bespoke events, with guests able to enjoy Ochil House in its entirety.

Overlooking the hotel’s croquet lawn, Ochil House boasts some of the best views from Gleneagles, and a south-west-facing aspect

provides an abundance of natural light.

Charlie North, Design Director at Ennismore, Gleneagles’ parent company, comments, “The overarching ambition of the design was to inspire, rouse ideas and stimulate conversation – encouraging guests to look around, explore and discuss, rather than sit at a table in a blank function room.”

He added:,“It’s a reinvention of the meeting space concept – somewhere that’s not just practical but also beautiful, as well as homely, welcoming and fun – and a place where people naturally want to gather and enjoy conversation.”

It’s Jam, Jute, Journalism and Gaming for Dundee’s newest hotel IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) has opened Hotel Indigo Dundee, ahead of the opening of V&A Dundee – Scotland’s first design museum. The hotel, which is situated in what was originally a 100-year old jute mill, has seen a “respectful renovation.”

The 102 bedrooms will feature one of three design themes – The Dundee Cake, The Comic and a Gaming theme which reflect Dundee’s historical and present economic influences – Jute, Jam, Journalism and Gaming.

The Dundee Cake room brings in marmalade motifs throughout the room with jute curtains.

The Comic room is inspired by DC Thompson, the famous publishing house that had a famous comic called ‘Black Bob’ about a sheepdog that saved the day, with sheepdog commands hidden in the dado rails. The Gaming room is reflective of Dundee’s thriving computer game industry, the birthplace of Grand Theft Auto.

Beds are finished with blankets by a local textile designer, Hilary Grant, whose work is inspired by waves breaking on the River Tay. Guests will also be able to buy branded jute bags filled with marmalade and Beano comics The hotel has a restaurant and bar, Daisy Tasker, named in honour of a much-loved weaver who organised activities for the jute mill workers William Inglis, General Manager, Hotel Indigo Dundee commented, “We are extremely excited to be opening our doors to guests.This is a unique and beautiful hotel and through clever design, we’ve really brought its heritage to the forefront.

Dundee has recently been voted as one of the best cities to visit in 2018 and its rich culture is showcased throughout the city. With the opening of the V&A later this year, we look forward to welcoming guests from the globe and have no doubt that they will fall in love with Hotel Indigo and everything this incredible city has to offer.”

Cameron House Hotel was handed back to its owners last month, however investigations into the December fatal fire are continuing.

Guests Simon Midgley, 32, and Richard Dyson, 38, died on the night and a Police Scotland spokeswoman has confirmed that the investigation into the fire is ongoing.

The hotel, on the banks of Loch Lomond, near Balloch, is to reopen in the autumn of 2019.

Three hotels have come to the market: Ayrshire’s Enterkine House, for offers over £1.48m, and the Ayre Hotel in Orkney’s Kirkwall and the recently refurbished Portpatrick Hotel in Portpatrick, with asking prices of £4.5 million and £1.6 million respectively.

Christie & Co and Galbraith are jointly marketing Enterkine House. The Ayre Hotel – overlooking Kirkwall harbour – has 51 bedrooms and nine apartments this is also being handled by Christie & Co. While Colliers International has been appointed to sell 55-bedroom Portpatrick Hotel – situated on a hilltop overlooking the village and harbour – on behalf of Shearings Leisure Group.

The annual Travel & Leisure World’s Best Awards has ranked Inverlochy Castle in Fort William as second in Europe and fourth in the world. The hotel, run by Inverlochy Castle Management International (ICMI) which manages 14 hotels throughout Scotland, is one of the country’s most renowned small luxury hotels.

To make the ranking on Travel & Leisure’s annual World’s Best Awards, hotels must act as incredible ambassadors for their home countries, delivering intuitive service and luxury experiences that result in a unique holiday experience.

AUGUST 2018 • HOTELSCOTLAND • 5

MANORVIEW GROUP FIRST HOTEL CHAIN TO ADOPT TRAIL TECHNOLOGY Manorview Hotels and Leisure Group has become the first UK hotel chain to adopt Trail, a smart daily checklist app that helps service businesses run efficient operations. Trail is already a staple in many restaurants and pubs.

Said David Tracey, Manorview Group Operations Director,“As a Group we are constantly looking for ways to increase our efficiency, provide an even better service for our customers, while also taking care of our teams by providing great working environments for them. Technology brings many new innovative tools onto the market, and we have spent a bit of time reviewing what is out there. We have invested in Trail and we are already seeing a huge benefit across the entire Group”.

The system operates via an online app which is designed to guide teams through their day with repeat processes and automated integrations, and it is built to cover every section of operations, from finance through to compliance.

Said Trail’s Managing Director, Joe Cripps,“We are delighted to have Manorview Hotels & Leisure Group join our growing list of brands who are successfully scaling with Trail. It’s great to see the group already experiencing savings, streamlined processes, and improved team engagement so they can produce even better customer experiences, as these are some of the goals we have in mind when building Trail.”

SCOTTISH HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY HIT BY POOR CONNECTIVITY AND HIGH POSTAL FEES Citizen’s Advice Scotland (CAS) has warned that Scotland’s hospitality industry is being held back by poor broadband and high postal delivery charges.

It has carried out research that shows a total of 45% of businesses in hospitality report broadband in their area is variable or poor. This contrasts with a figure of 32% across all sectors of the economy.

Meanwhile, 1 in 5 of all small and medium enterprises (SMEs) CAS said they ‘could not function’ without the postal service, with a further 72% saying the Post Office is very or fairly important to their business. However, nearly a quarter have to pay additional surcharges due to their location and 21% experience delivery delays for the same reason.

These figures are published in a new CAS report, ‘Delivering for Business: Scottish SMEs 6 • HOTELSCOTLAND • AUGUST 2018

Focus Hotels running of Hot Focus Hotels Management has been awarded the management contract for Hotel Colessio in Stirling following the sale of the hotel by the Aurora Hotel Collection to private investor company Hotel Colessio (Holdings) for a rumoured £6m.

Peter Cashman, the Chief Executive of Focus Hotels Managment is a majority stakeholder in Hotel Colessio (Holdings) through his Cashman Hospitality Consulting business.

Focus Hotels management currently operates numerous hotels, including three owned by

use of postal services.’

Publishing the report, CAS Chief Executive Derek Mitchell says, “The success of small businesses is key to economic growth, particularly in rural areas where hospitality, agriculture and construction businesses contribute significantly to the financial health of their local community.

“But to flourish in more remote areas requires good digital connectivity and an effective postal system. One third of Scotland’s SMEs have told us that broadband is poor or ‘variable’ in their area; with this figure rising to 45% in the hospitality sector. This simply isn’t good enough if we want all regions of Scotland to prosper.

“We will be sharing this data with the UK and Scottish governments and with postal service providers to inform future policymaking.

Scotland needs postal and broadband services that are reliable, efficient and affordable.”

Canada-based Northland Properties has spent ‘upwards of £20m’ on opening The Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel in the 120-year-old former Robert Gordon University building on St Andrew St. The hotel is taking bookings from 1st September and will have 218 guest rooms and suites, as well as conference facilities. The Chop Grill & Bar offers ‘contemporary dining’, along with a separate bar and whisky snug. GM Murray Todd told Hotel Scotland, “We’re really excited about the whole project and to be bringing our 50 years of hospitality experience to Aberdeen. It’s going to be a great addition to the city centre.”

XXXXXXXX NEWS

RBH promotes MacNaughton

Management takes on the tel Colessio in Stirling Cashman’s private investment company and the recently opened Hotel Indigo in Dundee.

Aurora Hotel Collection, which was originally founded by Steven Mcleod, who remains a director, has two remaining businesses – Airth Castle Hotel and Spa, and Glenbervie House Hotel. At its height, it operated Glenbervie House Hotel, near Larbert, Cairn Lodge and the Kenmore Hotel & Luxury Lodges on the banks of the River Tay. Peter Cashman, Chief Executive Officer of Focus Hotels Management, said, “The experience and commitment of the Focus

Hotels Management team meant we were perfectly placed to take on this important and iconic venue and we’ll look forward to working closely with the owners to deliver great service for the hotel’s customers.

He continued, “We have a proven track record in the fast-moving hotel sector which needs more than just great facilities. Our in-depth understanding of the business environment, the ability to attract and develop first-class operational teams, and our robust processes and systems, mean we deliver consistent profitability.”

HIGHEST TOURIST FIGURES FOR SCOTLAND SINCE ONS RECORDS BEGAN Scotland welcomed 3.2 million tourists in 2017 – the highest since the Office of National Statistics travel trends survey began in 1961/62.

This figure represents a 17% rise in the number of overseas visitors to Scotland, with tourist spending increasing by almost a quarter (23%) to £2.3 billion in the same year. The rise was driven by 1.9 million visits by European tourists, up 17% on 2016. Spending by visitors from Europe also increased by 36% to £1.1 billion.

Responding to the figures, Marc Crothall, Chief Executive of the Scottish Tourism Alliance, said,“(It’s) an enormous boost for Scotland’s

tourism industry. These figures reflect the significant commitment, investment and focus

by VisitScotland in bringing these international markets to Scotland with their hugely successful campaigns.

He continued, “Our priority will be to continue to build the foundations for sustained growth for Scotland’s tourism industry in partnership with VisitScotland, the Scottish Government and its public agencies and ensure that every tourist who visits us leaves having enjoyed the quality, authentic experience which is at the heart of the Tourism Strategy.”

RBH, the UK’s leading independent hotel management company, has announced the appointment of Gregor MacNaughton one of its rising stars, to the new role of Director of Technical Services.

He was previously Group Capital Manager having joined RBH as Group Property Manager 15 years ago shortly after graduating from Glasgow Caledonian University with an MSc in Construction Project Management.

He held the role for eight years and moved onto Principal Hayley, taking the title of Head of Property for the hotel group for three years, before returning to RBH in 2015.

Gregor MacNaughton, RBH’s new Chief Technical Officer, said, “To be given the opportunity to support the RBH Executive Committee is wonderful. I’m absolutely committed to ensuring we continue delivering successful key capital projects in order to offer the best value – and boost returns – for our owners.”

Helder Pereira, RBH’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Gregor has already played a pivotal role during his time with RBH, contributing massively to the successful delivery of a number of projects over the years..”

It’s a Yes for Yotel!

Glasgow City Council has granted International hotel chain Yotel planning permission to open in The Westergate building on Glasgow’s Argyle Street. It’s set to open next year According to the planning application the hotel will accommodate 254 guests, feature a bowling alley, gym, and a rooftop bar and restaurant.

AUGUST 2018 • HOTELSCOTLAND • 7

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8 • HOTELSCOTLAND • AUGUST 2018

FOCUS

JASON CADDY reports.

TOURISTS: TO TAX OR NOT TO TAX? THAT IS THE QUESTION… AND WHAT TO CALL IT IS ANOTHER!

T

he decade-old tourist tax debate has one thing in common with athlete’s foot – it doesn’t seem to want to go away, despite being about as welcome as an itchy rash to many in our industry. It’s also got various guises. Some call it a ‘Bed Tax’, others a Tourist Visitor Levy – there’s also a Transient Visitor Tax. Nevertheless, it seems likely that hoteliers will face a tax of some description despite an emphatic denial from the Scottish Government. Derek Mackay, Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Economy and Fair Work, told Hotel Scotland, “Our position remains consistent in that the Scottish Government has no plans to introduce a levy on the tourism sector, which is already subject to the second highest VAT rates in Europe by the UK Government” Plus City of Edinburgh Council continues to act like a dog with a bone, by building the case for its proposed Tourist Visitor Levy (TVL). Part of the Council’s on-going research is a 40-page report claiming that any form of tourist tax wouldn’t deter overseas visitors to the capital because of Edinburgh’s strong international standing as a world-class tourist destination.

City of Edinburgh Council also claims that all 32 local authorities in Scotland have given their support in principle to a TVL. “Leaders across all 32 Scottish Local Authorities are expected to agree and launch a campaign to secure the legal power for local government to implement a levy. This signals increasing support across the political spectrum for the principle of local discretion to propose and implement a TVL,” says the latest communication from City of Edinburgh Council press office.

COSLA (Convention of Scottish Local Authorities) has also backed it. President, Alison Evison said, “We want to strengthen local democracy and promote local decision making, starting with giving councils the discretion to introduce a Transient Visitor Tax. Local government is a sphere not a tier of government in Scotland.

The devolution of powers has been the political hot potato of the last few weeks and it is right that we enter this debate in a mature, thought through manner. Our ask of the Scottish Government today would be – devolve to local government the powers it needs to deliver services and build the local economy; give us the chance to empower public services and create opportunities for Scotland to flourish.

She continued, “The tourism industry should not be alarmed by this move. A Transient Visitor Tax (TVT) will be a tax on visitors and not on businesses.”

Tourist taxes do exist throughout the world land indeed New Zealand’s government has just announced that it will introduce an NZ$35 (£18) fee to enter the country that will be collected through an Electronic Travel Authority process, similar to the ESTA system the U.S. uses. It joins destinations like Barcelona, Paris, Rome, Berlin and Amsterdam, all enforcers of a tourist tax. Another city closer to home, Norwich, England, is flirting with the idea, but early indications suggest that this may have the lifespan of a Love Island relationship.

But back to Scotland, and with social mediamaking our world go around, a Twitter rant, spat, war or skirmish between public figures is always a sure fire way to give an issue oxygen – especially when it’s between two people who are shaping the policies that directly affect your business. That’s what happened when Edinburgh council’s Leader Adam McVey, who, at age 30 when he was appointed, as City of Edinburgh’s Council’s youngest ever leader, recently tweeted AUGUST 2018 • HOTELSCOTLAND • 9

FOCUS articulated his resistance to any such measures.

He said, “We made our stance very clear via The Scottish Tourism Alliance. Too many folk – including MSPs – say that tourism is booming, which is true and false depending on which part of Scotland you’re referring to. It’s a bit of a patchwork when you look at the map.

We also pay the second highest VAT rates in Europe, and in terms of expenditure, we are the most expensive.”

“

I hope that in the next 12 months there’ll be a mature debate in a professional manner rather than City of Edinburgh council using the media.

that a tourist tax would be implemented in a matter of 12 months – a claim immediately rebuked by culture secretary, Fiona Hyslop.

He has since had this to say, “First of all, it is important to point out that this would not be a tax on business; rather a small contribution by tourists towards the services they use during their stay with us. Edinburgh welcomes millions of visitors each year who bring investment, diversity and energy to our city but they also bring a cost in terms of the impact on our core services.

In terms of the research the council are undertaking, he said, “This research demonstrates that not only is a TVL unlikely to adversely affect Edinburgh’s hotel industry, but that handled correctly, it can help to secure the ongoing sustainability and health of tourism in the city.

He continued, “I understand that there are those who remain to be convinced but I can assure them that this is only the beginning of a considered, thoughtful and professional engagement with our partners across the tourist and hotel industry, the people of Edinburgh and the tourists who would ultimately pay the levy.”

The Scottish Tourism Alliance, the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, the Scottish Beer and Pub Association and the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions have all called for independent research into the impact of a tourist tax.

UK Hospitality’s Executive Director for Scotland is Willie Macleod and he told Hotel Scotland, “Quite rightly Fiona Hyslop challenged Adam McVey in light of no agreement and no endorsement from the Scottish government.

We’ve said to the Scottish government, look, you need to get a grip with this and I hope 10 • HOTELSCOTLAND • AUGUST 2018

”

WILLIE MACLEOD

that in the next 12 months there’ll be a mature debate in a professional manner rather than City of Edinburgh council using the media. They are, I believe, doing research with residents and visitors and of course, residents are going to say ‘yes’ because they don’t want to pay any additional council tax.”

Macleod also argued that this is far from a level playing field in light of other European counties operating such a tax, while many successful tourist industries don’t. He said, “Many European countries pay up to 50 per cent less tax. Ireland, for example, pays 9.1 per cent VAT and have no tourist tax. So what are we trying to do to our successful industry? Tax it out of existence?”

He was likewise keen to point out that such a tax is “iniquitous and discriminatory” for a variety of reasons. He explained, “Edinburgh gets 14 million visitor nights per year, yet there are also 18.4 million day trippers that would escape the levy. Plus average rates within a half a mile radius of Princes Street are not an insignificant amount by any means, so to suggest they are somehow not contributing is nonsense.

We are already contributing to public funding and we are only able to do so because we run successful businesses.

He continues, “The UK is the second poorest country in terms of price competitiveness – 135th out of 136 – and we already have a high level of taxation on businesses. This singleminded approach by City of Edinburgh Council has involved no consultation with us. They spoke to a small number of individual hoteliers and with Edinburgh Hotels Association, who also share our view.”

CEO of Crieff Hydro, Stephen Leckie (this month’s interview on page 18) has also

He continued, “They say that it’s going to be a levy of £1 – but who’s going to pay this, who is going to collect it? Why go for an easy swipe of taxing tourists? We already charge tourists and I suggest that local authorities look at their own coffers as we have to do within our own individual hotel businesses. We pay £50k per year for the apprenticeship levy and we get nothing back from it. Business rates are a quarter of a million pounds more per year and we get nothing back for that either. A tourist tax could be fatal.”

In our search for anybody in the industry in favour of the tourist tax, including asking David Wither of Edinburgh’s Montpelier Group,who told us that, “I have not spoken to one person that is in favour. Everyone is against. “ We were only able to find one hotelier prepared to publicly endorse this tax. Raul Leal, Chief Executive of Virgin Hotels, which has no presence in Scotland presently, but is planning a hotel on Edinburgh’s Victoria Street by 2020.

He said, “Virgin Hotels is an international brand and we are well used to local tax arrangements and in Chicago we operate perfectly well with a local accommodation tax. If Edinburgh chooses to adopt this model we see no difficulties in operating in such an environment. Edinburgh is a vibrant and international city, and we want to be a strong partner in helping improve tourism for both Edinburgh and Scotland.”

Seeing as City of Edinburgh Council is speaking to local residents as part its research, so did we. Said one, who asked to remain anonymous, “I believe that it will come about because, broadly speaking, people that live in Edinburgh support it, as far as I can see. They see it as a tax that other people will have to pay. I also don’t see how Edinburgh Council can do all the things they have planned to do without it. But I can imagine it will not be popular with the hospitality industry. But when we go abroad we have to pay tourist taxes and in fact, when you are in the US you sometimes have to pay federal and state tax.”

So there you have it. If we remain passive as an industry and sleepwalk into this, this tax could very well become a reality for Scotland, giving us one more thing in common with New Zealand other than its majestic landscapes.

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Email: info@linxbeds.co.uk JULY 2018 • HOTELSCOTLAND • 11

GREAT WHISKY

WHISKY

Some great malt whiskies to let your guests try.

01 ISLE OF ARRAN DISTILLERS 10-YEAR-OLD SINGLE MALT

02 GLENFIDDICH PROJECT XX

03 GLENFIDDICH 21 YEAR OLD

Isle of Arran Distillers Ltd is one of Scotland’s most acclaimed whisky makers, using the local water, microclimate and air quality to influence each spirit they produce as it distills and matures.

The 10-year-old Arran Single Malt is the classic expression of Arran.

It’s the details that matter. This expression spends four months finishing in Gran Reserva barrels to create a luxurious dry and spicy finish, adding to its distinctive and complex flavour. A perfect complement to Glenfiddich’s fruity signature notes.

Appearance: Ripe golden barley Aroma: Rich vanilla, cinnamon, sweet oak Taste: Sweetness, apple, citrus

20 of the industry’s most exceptional minds came together to create this truly unique, pioneering expression. With its deep golden hue, Project XX embodies the warm, fruity character of a classic Glenfiddich with hints of apple blossom, summer fruits and ripe pear. But its multiple personalities are revealed with hints of sweet candyfloss, cinnamon spice, almonds and rich port tannins with the odd whisper of liquorice. Deep and mellow, the finish is long lasting with a lingering sweet oakiness.

04 BOWMORE 18 YEAR OLD DOUBLE MATURED MANZANILLA

05 THE MACALLAN 12 YEAR OLD

06 OLD PULTENEY 21 YEAR OLD

Founded in 1779, Bowmore® is the oldest distillery on Islay and Bowmore® 18 Year Old is matured in both ex-bourbon barrels and ex-manzanilla sherry barrels, taking on a rich antique gold colour. On the nose, notes of treacle, salted caramel, ripe blackcurrants, soft stone fruits, vanilla fudge and spiced Seville oranges sit alongside subtle hints of menthol and chamomile.

These aromas develop into bitter oranges and a burst of peat smoke on the palate to create this refined whisky.

Founded in 1824, the reputation of The Macallan is based on a product of outstanding quality that has been the hallmark of The Macallan since its’ founding by Alexander Reid on the river Spey. The Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Years Old is matured exclusively in hand-picked sherry seasoned oak cask.

This bottle was previously crowned the winner of ‘World Whisky of the Year’ in the prestigious Jim Murray’s 2012 Whisky Bible, one of the industry’s highest accolades.

Old Pulteney 21 Year Old is a golden amber liquid with straw highlights. The full-bodied expression is fragrant and spicy on the nose with hints of apple and pears. The taste is rich and sweet, with subtle light fruity notes and touches of honey and vanilla, followed by a dry finish. Jim Murray, Whisky Writer, describes the dram as, “by far and away one of the great whiskies of 2012..”

Despite only being founded in 1995, the rapid growth of the company has seen them invest in building a second distillery due to open in Spring 2019.

12 • HOTELSCOTLAND • AUGUST 2018

Taste: Smooth, medium balanced with fruit, oak and spice Long with sweet dried fruits, oak and spice

Experience an intense and vanilla sweet aroma, floral with hints of banana, followed by a soft, lively taste with lime, ginger and spice and a complex and exceptionally long ending. The rum finish releases layers of intensity and sets this 21 Year Old apart from other whiskies.

It is truly a whisky that is raised in Scotland and roused by the Caribbean.

WHY PACARI CHOCOLATE?

Pacari Chocolate is a fair trade, sustainable, socially responsible, certified organic dark chocolate brand which has won over 200 International Chocolate Awards since 2012.

Made from tree to bar in Ecuador, it is produced and packaged where the cacao beans actually grow (unlike 99% of chocolate in the UK) which means more wealth stays in the developing country. Furthermore, Pacari Chocolate support 3500 local cacao growing families through direct trade and use only organically-sourced ingredients to ensure that during the growing process, no harm is done to the people or the planet.

All their chocolates are 60% cacao content or above, 100% organic, only use natural ingredients and are free from dairy, gluten, refined sugars, nuts, palm oil and soy. Perfect not only for vegans but for all health conscious and ethical consumers. Their reputation for being an exclusive high quality organic, ethical brand of chocolates is growing and they now have over 40 different products and gift sets in the UK to choose from.

ANDEAN MINT

07 GORDON & MACPHAIL CONNOISSEURS CHOICE DAILUAINE 1998

An expert blend of organic cacao beans from Ecuador, the Andean Mint herbal infusion chocolate bar delivers a crisp aroma and flavour.

This chocolate has a distinct fragrance of the mint infusion, alongside fruity notes of the arriba nacional cacao.

On tasting, the bar has a creamy, smooth mouthful.

The aromatic Andean Mint provides a delicate flavour that builds to a clean, long lasting finish.

72% LOS RIOS This plain chocolate bar is made from a single origin bean, grown in the Los Rios province of Ecuador which covers over 7000 sq km and was founded, under legislative decree, in 1860. As well as cacao, this region produces coffee, bananas and tobacco.

Winner of the gold medal at the last International Chocolates Awards. It was named one of the best dark chocolates in the world.

PASSION FRUIT

Since 1895, Gordon & MacPhail has sent carefully selected casks to distilleries throughout Scotland and matured them either at the distillery of origin or in the company’s own bonded warehouses in Elgin. ‘Connoisseurs Choice’ was first pioneered in 1968 by George Urquhart, second generation of the family, at a time when very few whiskies were bottled as single malts.

Taste Warming white pepper, luxurious chocolate truffle with the liveliness of ripe nectarine, mango, green apple, and juicy pear.

Next issue we will focus on liquers

This bar is an expert blend of organic cacao beans from Ecuador that delivers complex aromas and flavours.

A sweet, floral and fruity fragrance. This aroma is not from the Passionfruit itself but it is actually the aroma of the arriba nacional cacao bean.

The mouthfeel is creamy, with a strong flavour delivery. Following an initial surge of tart citrus passionfruit, it finishes with a soft sweetness.

Not available in supermarkets you can get your hands on their full collection by visiting their online shop home.pacarichocolates.uk/collections Pacari products are also gluten free, vegan friendly, soy free, artificial ingredients free and free of refine cane sugar. Use the following code for your order Hotel Scotland10 and will we give a 10% discount up to the 15th of September 2018.

TWITTER: @PacariUK

FACEBOOK: Pacarichocolates.uk

INSTAGRAM: PacariUK

AUGUST 2018 • HOTELSCOTLAND • 13

SPOTLIGHT ON NEW GM APPOINTEES

FEATURE

It’s hard to keep up with who has moved where in Scotland’s hotel industry. This month we do a roundup of Managers who have taken on fresh roles in over the last year and find out a bit more about them.

ALISON MOIR GM at Boclair House Hotel Glasgow-born Alison Moir’s new role as GM at Manorview Hotel and Leisure Group’s Boclair House hotel in the city marks a bit of homecoming. She came on board this year after seven years in the role as House Manager and FOH Manager at Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle. Alison says of her new role at Boclair House Hotel that she’s happy to be back in the hustle and bustle of the city she calls home. Before that, Alison brought her many skills and experience to bear as Deputy GM at CLC Duchally Country Estate, a role she made her own for three-and-a-half years. Alison’s forte is clearly hospitality, yet hospitality is a far cry from what she set out to do, choosing to study anthropology and nursing instead. It was when she was studying and working in hospitality as a means to an end that she got the taste for this industry

and realised it was where her future lay.

Alison’s first Assistant Manager role was at Aviemore’s Hilton Coylumbridge, and she was also at Glasgow’s Pond Hotel for its opening.

Alison said of working in this industry, “I love hospitality. It’s the people, the pace, how it’s open to change. It’s often a misunderstood business. It’s a very active industry, and it’s interesting”. Alison’s confident that she’s inherited a great team at Boclair and she’s looking forward to bringing continuous improvement through teamwork. She said, “I love working with a great team, and I can see I have that. I want to make Boclair as good as it can be. It won’t be down to me – it’ll be the team who will deliver”. When Alison’s away from work, her two young children, Emilia and Andrew, keep her as busy as the hotel on its liveliest of days.

BENJAMIN BEL GM at Hotel du Vin, Edinburgh Benjamin Bel, 42, landed the GM role at Edinburgh’s Hotel du Vin in February this year, moving within the Malmaison Hotel du Vin group from his former role as GM of the 47-bedroom Malmaison Aberdeen.

Strasbourg-born Benjamin moved to the UK aged 17, cutting his teeth as a commis waiter at the Royal Crescent Hotel in Bath, before working his way up in a variety of roles and venues to become Restaurant Manager at London’s Marriott County Hotel.

Then he worked on bringing a new Japanese restaurant to London and Paris for Marriott County Hotel owner, Shiroyama. Benjamin was also responsible for the catering at The London Eye. After working as Ops Manager at London’s Somerset House, he moved

to Scotland in 2009 to work as a contract caterer for both Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games and RBS, before taking the GM role at Malmaison Aberdeen. How does Benjamin de-stress? “I’m actually one of the top 100 amateur tennis players in the UK and Dunblane (home of Andy Murray) Club Champion,” he said. Benjamin has three kids, and his partner also works in the trade as a Cluster Manager for The European Championships Glasgow 2018. Benjamin describes his management style as “relaxed and professional” adding that, “As a people person, my forte is working with and for people.” His favourite hotel is London’s Dorchester and its restaurant, Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester.

AUGUST 2018 • HOTELSCOTLAND • 15

NICK GORTON

GM at Links House Hotel, Dornoch Nick Gorton is GM at Links House Hotel, Dornoch. He kicked off his working life as a teen in his parents’ restaurants and cafes in their native Cornwall and this was his gateway to hospitality and a career spanning many years. He said, “My hospitality career officially began at the then Queens Moathouses in Norfolk. Then Ballathie House in Perth beckoned when I was 20, followed by the 50-bedroom hotel Culag Hotel in Loch Inver, where I worked for a year as Assistant Manager, then as GM at the age of 22:” He remained there for five years.

did he decide to jump ship? He explained, “ The Links is a very special property that I actually saw for the first time during an inspection for the Scottish Hotel Awards. I fell in love with the place on the spot. The owner Todd called me back in April to sound me out about the role, and I accepted.” He says that his management style is putting the emphasis on being a team player because “working collaboratively is everything” and he believes in “leadership by example. “

Then Nick spent an astonishing 30 years as GM at Inver Lodge Hotel, Lochinver. He explained, “ It was 1988 and I was given the opportunity to be involved in the design and the build of the hotel.” So why, when he was part of the fabric of place, and after 30 years,

In his spare time, Nick loves hillwalking particularly with his dog Beinn – swimming, and, when he’s got time, reading and travelling.

As for his favourite hotel his experience, after pausing for thought, he came back with The Blue Lagoon on the Cook Islands in the South Pacific because of its “friendly, relaxed setting.”

incredibly proud to have the opportunity to lead such a talented group of people and am very excited for what the future has to hold for everyone in the hotel.” And regards the hotel itself Paul said, “I love the history, character and personality of Grand Central.

It is truly a landmark building for Glasgow and an iconic part of the history of the city.

I hope to really showcase its status and support the outstanding team that delivers a modern service through classic values day in, day out.”

PAUL BRAY

GM at Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow Paul Bray is a man that doesn’t seem to stand still. As well as managing the 230-bedroom Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow for owners Principal Hotel Company from February this year, he’s also in the middle of an MBA at Strathclyde Business school. Originally from Troon, he came to the Grand Central after just over four years at Cumbernauld’s Westerwood Hotel & Golf Resort Hotel for QHotels Ltd. Preceding this, from July 2012, he spent a year as director at the UV Collection, a hospitality management company based in Ayrshire. Paul has said, “Personally, I am a values, driven manager.

Honesty, respect, commitment, pride and trust. I prefer to work with people with the right attitude (character over competence).

I’m passionate about the hospitality industry and delivering results. His first Deputy GM role was at Jurys Inn, Glasgow in 2007, and he was made GM the following year, where he remained until 2011. On taking the role at The Grand Central , his vision was “to continue to grow the business by promoting the superb facilities such as the Champagne Bar and the Grand Ballroom,” adding, “I’m 16 • HOTELSCOTLAND • AUGUST 2018

FEATURE

SUSAN STUART

OWNER-GM at The Four Season Hotel, Perthshire As director of The Four Seasons Hotel (Perthshire) Ltd., Susan Stuart is the new owner-GM of the hotel of the same name on the banks of Loch Earn. Susan has 30 years’ hospitality experience under her belt and describes this new chapter as “living the dream – no nails, clearing out boilers and dealing with plumbing, but I’m loving it, I really am”, she said.

Susan, a Scot by birth, visited Loch Earn as a child but spent the last 25 years working with hotel chains such as Sheraton and InterContinental in London, as well as launching the Roundhouse as one of London’s top special event venues. She’s very much looking forward to the challenge of managing her own hotel She said, “ I feel privileged to be the guardian of what is one of the most outstanding hotels in the area”. Susan plans to prioritise staff development and hopes that such investment will attract graduates starting out in their hospitality careers.

Susan also plans to continue the dog-friendly

offer, and Finn, her three-year-old black Labrador, is picking up the mantle of being pet receptionist (he was on reception when we spoke to Susan). Apparently he’s keen to receive ideas as to how to keep the pet concierge service up to date while meeting the needs of today’s canine visitors! She

said, “I plan to get him out in the fields and train him once I get a bit of spare time. I’ve also got a set of golf clubs that are still in storage.” As for her management style, Susan said, “I prefer not to micro-manage unless absolutely necessary. I like to give my staff the freedom to use their common sense.”

MARK GALLACHER

GM at the Crowne Plazza, Glasgow Mark Gallagher follows in the formidable footsteps of Dominic McVey at Glasgow’s 283-bedroom Crowne Plaza, who at 15 years in the job must have been one of, if not the longest serving GM of any large hotel chain in Scotland. Mark came on board in May and brings almost 25 years experience to the role of GM at the Valor Hospitality Europe hotel, having previously managed hotels in Glasgow and London. His first GM role was at the former Langs Hotel in Glasgow. Said Mark, “It was not only my first GM position but also my first new build hotel, so I learned an awful lot in a very short space of time.

The hotel was well ahead of its time, modern, fresh, boutique but unfortunately, the family sold it on and it eventually became student accommodation, which is a great shame.”

As for his business ethos, he said, “I have never really thought about it but I guess that I resonate with my current employer

Valor Hospitality about ‘doing the simple things, brilliantly’. This is easily achieved by setting really high standards for your Team and leading by example! I am a great believer in employing really smart people not for me to tell them what to do but for them to tell me what we should be doing!”

Once he checks out, Mark enjoys a round of golf – and appreciates architecture. And other hotels. He explains, “I love golf for its etiquette, constant frustration and jubilation when you hit a sweet shot. I am also married to a qualified architect so I have grown to appreciate stunning buildings and formations, especially during my time in London where they have a constant evolvement of construction projects. I also enjoy the odd busman’s holiday, exploring amazing hotels in the places that I visit.” Trinity Square, London, and The Breakers in Palm Beach are particular favourites.

AUGUST 2018 • HOTELSCOTLAND • 17

INTERVIEW

JASON CADDY met with Stephen Leckie, CEO at Crieff Hydro, and they talked business, tourism, misconceptions, broken ribs and Kit-Kats.

HY-DRO, HY-DRO, IT’S OFF TO WORK HE GOES! A

two-hour chat with Crieff Hydro CEO Stephen Leckie is like being sucker punched by a force of nature. On stilts. This hotelier-entrepreneur-meets- family-manmeets-classic-car-enthusiast and bagpipe playing freestyle wrestler’s energy reaches out and grabs you. Stephen fired out the answers to my questions rapidly and entertainingly.

I began by asking him about his business ethos. “I believe in capitalism but I’m also an egalitarian because we all breathe the same air and so I believe in being humble. I also want to be flat out or flat out (asleep)” he told me in the leafy, tranquil setting of his office at the luxury hotel, one of a nine-strong estate that the 53-year-old presides over. As well as Crieff Hydro and sister hotel The Murraypark, Stephen is responsible for Peebles Hydro plus two other concerns in the Borders town, The Park Hotel and Peel Café. Then there’s The Isles of Glencoe, The Ballachulish, with management contracts for the Green Hotel and Windlestrae Hotel in Kinross and The Kings House Hotel, Glencoe.

On the wall of his office hangs a beautiful wall-mounted barometer and clock encased in wood with touches of brass, a gift from his late father, also a hotelier, that includes an inscription from Ecclesiastes Chapter 9, Verse 10, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do with

18 • HOTELSCOTLAND • AUGUST 2018

all your might.” This is a man whose hands are never idle, whether it’s hotel related or one of his other considerations demanding his attention, sitting as he does on a raft of committees and professional bodies. Stephen’s Chair of the Scottish Tourism Alliance, for instance. It’s obvious that his sense of fun and levels of passion and enthusiasm haven’t been robbed by the pressures of having so many plates spinning as well as heading a team of 1000 staff that take care of up to 3000 guests every day. Neither has it eroded his ambition.

“I borrowed quite a bit to get a bigger shareholding in the Company,” he told me.

As well as the bagpipes he can also play a bit of piano – well, he can play Jingle Bells and Beethoven’s Symphony No.9, which I think is kind of symbolic of what I started to see early on as a clear ability to mix with all sorts of people from both ends of the social spectrum and everything in between. “I eat lunch and supper in the staff canteen and I always make a beeline for anybody who’s sat by themselves.

I want them to feel included, part of the family, plus many of the staff have moved from mainland Europe so they’re often a little dislocated when they first arrive. It also saves on any potentially embarrassing situations because I do my best to let them know who I am from the get-go,” he said.

And he’s equally comfortable in the presence of royalty. When Dumbarton happened

to crop up in our conversation, he told me that, in their capacity as Earl and Countess of Dumbarton, Meghan and Harry will make an appearance in the town in the fullness of time.

How did he know? “It’s all down to the Lord Lieutenant,” he explained. “It took four years to get the Earl and Duchess of Strathearn, William and Kate, to make an appearance here and Harry and Meghan will eventually make the trip too, depending on Dumbarton’s Lord Lieutenant. William and Kate are a delightful couple incidentally, and so down to earth, and

people, yet meeting these objectives is becoming increasingly difficult.

“Scottish tourism is one of 8 key areas that has been targeted to deliver growth by 2020 and we are set to increase it by a billion pounds of revenue by then. There are not many industries that could do that. But overtax it to the point of it becoming burdensome, and you’ll kill the goose that lays the golden egg.”

He also has other concerns around the trading conditions hoteliers must contend with right now. He explained, “I’m very concerned about the increased costs to industry, there being less disposable income in people’s pockets, businesses spending less on conferences etc. – so all in all things are tight.

I’m not a worrier, but I often wake up at 3am thinking about the business and what I could do to make it better.

He continued, “I feel like I owe it to myself and my staff to increase profits so that we’re able to reinvest in our building and our people, but when the waves keep washing over you like this, it’s difficult.”

But there’s also cause for optimism. In February 2019 the Kings House Hotel in Glencoe will be re-opening after a major rebuild that Stephen has had a big role in driving and managing. He explained, “It will be Scotland’s newest hotel in the most amazing location so it’ll be all eyes on it. We’re running it on a management contract for the owning family so we will be looking to deliver something in keeping with its history because heritage and culture are two key drivers across our hotel estate. It’s also at the gateway to the incredibly successful Lochaber Outdoor Capital and right next to the Glencoe Ski Resort as well as being on the West Highland way, so we hope it will add a whole extra dimension to the way people are able to access and enjoy these world-class outdoor activities.” they are so very easy to talk to. My son was part of the motorcade during their visit and told to keep up by the police. He was booked for speeding on the way back from it! “ So what’s currently in his inbox? Not very much by the looks of it. He keeps on top of all his emails. But he’s obviously a very busy man, and seeing as how Stephen is on The Scottish Tourism Alliance and also the Chair of the National Tourism Strategy Group, I couldn’t not ask him for his views

on the proposed tourist tax in Edinburgh (see feature on page 9) to which he had this to say, “Tourism in Scotland is set for growth yet they’ll kill us off if this goes through.

Measures like the minimum wage, and I’m in no way arguing against it, have already had an impact on hoteliers’ profits, the knock-on effect of which is a drop in quality because reinvestment is stinted and investment training is also compromised. We pride ourselves on good value, high quality and value for money, all delivered by passionate and dedicated

Stephen’s lived on-site at Crieff Hydro all his life apart from an 8-year stint in the south of England after he joined Moat House, rising to become the GM at age 25 before returning to Crieff. Stephen, his wife Fiona and their four kids all live on-site at Crieff Hydro in fact, and it is very much a family affair. He explained, “I choose to live above the shop and that has its advantages and disadvantages, but it’s mainly advantageous for us and to the business. Fiona does all the interiors and we spend up to £4m per year on re-investment in this area. She also looks after the retail side AUGUST 2018 • HOTELSCOTLAND • 19

INTERVIEW of the business, our two main retail units being located at Peebles Hydro and Crieff Hydro.”

Stephen’s a 5th-generation hotelier, but he’s quick to point out that he had to work hard for what he’s got. During a conversation about people’s preconceptions about other people running away with themselves, he said, “People make many assumptions about you, like I had the business handed to me and that I inherited it without working hard. Not true. I worked extremely hard for what I have.

From the age of 12, I picked stones, berries and tatties in a field, working 12-hour days. At age 13, when other kids were getting Raleigh Grifter bikes for Christmas, I got a bible.

My mother made us work for everything. I cleaned self-catering chalets for 7p per hour with my cousin and we found a pack of Kit Kats that we decided to eat them for our elevenses and my mother (who was also the boss) caught us taking a break and eating KitKats halved our hourly rate for the remainder of the summer.”

And this work ethic remained with him well into his late teens. “When Seve Ballesteros won The Open in 1985, I worked as a waiter at the Old Course in St Andrews. My accommodation was a caravan in a field, but I couldn’t really sleep there after my 23-anda-half-hour shift. I mostly slept in a fire exit in fact. It felt as though my feet had been beaten by sticks. Mind you I could do 167 press-ups a day back then. I couldn’t do that now.“ And talking of fitness, Stephen has also taken up freestyle wrestling once again, and he lit up while explaining it to me. “I’m nursing two broken ribs to prove it. Fiona, pretty baffled, simply said to me ‘why have you taken up wrestling again?’ I guess I’m drawn to its many complexities and the chat with the guys. It’s the original martial art you know, namely Greco wrestling. Taking it up again some 20plus years later ‘for some reason’ means that I wasn’t ready for the ribcage compression. My fitness is still there, though it’s more like half the number of press-ups” Stephen and Fiona have been married 28 years and when I asked what they did for their silver wedding anniversary, I got the best answer. “With a wee bit of nervousness, the two of us set off from Crieff in a classic car.

The reason we were nervous is that for our whole marriage, bar the first nine months, we had the kids who were usually with us on any kind of holiday.

“Fiona and I remain very close though of course, we bicker a bit, but I think that makes us authentic and real. All I ask is that people aren’t subtle with me and then expect me to pick up on it. Direct and unambiguous is what I need, at home and in business.”

20 • HOTELSCOTLAND • AUGUST 2018

“Leadership is not about academic intelligence. It’s about emotional and social intelligence... I try to make an effort to understand the people working the business.”

Stephen and Fiona were born a day apart, and Fiona kindly popped in for part of the chat and it was lovely to meet her. We picked back up on that silver anniversary car trip conversation, “After 25 years together we headed off and hoped for the best. Once we docked in Amsterdam, we just made decisions there and then like where we should head from there. It was September and we were only looking for one room, so it wasn’t hard to come by. “ Stephen added, “We now go away like this every year and we often get the weather on the drive down to Newcastle, so we have the soft top down, and goodies squirrelled away in the car. Stood on the deck of the ferry, we have a G&T each, enjoy an early supper and there’s plenty of entertainment. A month ago, we found ourselves in a small city in Holland named Nijmegen and I broke out my pipes and trews which went down well with the locals.”

They work 51 weeks of the year and, as Fiona also explained, this is something that not a lot of people realise. “As we wave people off for the Christmas holidays on December 23 it’s back to work for us. It’s a tradition to pipe through the corridors at Christmas and Hogmanay and there’s a picture of Stephen doing this with his father and now our kids are also involved. The two boys are pipe players

and our daughter plays the snare drum. This happens in both Peebles and Crieff Hydros.”

Once Fiona left us, we then get onto the topic of what makes a good leader and Stephen told me, “Leadership is not about academic intelligence. It’s about the emotional and social intelligence. I haven’t got time to dissect everybody in the business but I try to make an effort to understand the people working the business.

“I must also be seen to be apolitical. For example, half the staff would’ve voted to stay while half would’ve voted to remain in the independence referendum. The same can be said for the customers. We’ve always flown the Saltire over the hotel because I am proud to be Scottish. That’s all. Again, people make assumptions about you based on things like this, like ‘Stephen Leckie supports independence ‘whereas I don’t make these views public.”

He wrapped up his views on this by telling me, “It’s important for people, and especially for people in business, to have something else – something that allows them into a zone they can lose themselves in. Like sleep it’s part of renewal and refreshing your mind. Freestyle wrestling ticks this box for me as do classic cars .”

Stephen also likes life’s simple pleasures and before he does those press-ups of a morning there are dogs to be walked, “Fiona and I walk them for three miles every morning.

We eventually parted company after Stephen showed me how much of a great sport he is by posing right outside the hotel on his electric scooter for our cover pic, and with me feeling energized and determined to squeeze every last drop of opportunity out of life just like he does.

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B E D S

DESIGN FOCUS

APEX GRASSMARKET 31-35 GRASSMARKET, EDINBURGH EH1 2HS

T

he Apex Grassmarket in Edinburgh has just seen the first phase of a multi-million-pound refurbishment complete. The hotel now boasts 169 refurbished bedrooms, and this is just the start.

Phase 2 will be tackled in September and will include a complete refurbishment of the hotel’s public areas and the bar and the restaurant.

Alongside the revitalised bedrooms, and public areas, the hotel’s decking area, with beautiful views towards Edinburgh Castle, is set to be revamped this year.

The refurbishment is part of a £15 million package of improvements across the Apex Hotels portfolio which are taking place this year.

General Manager Alan Taylor, comments, “All of the bedrooms have benefitted from a total upgrade, including brand new beds, televisions,

furniture and a lot of the rooms have received new bathrooms.”

The new rooms have been simply, but effectively put together and have a Scandinavian feel with white walls and white bed linen.

Mustard coloured soft furnishings adding a pop of colour and warmth. The colour also compliments the brightness of the rooms due to the fact that they have large floor to ceiling windows. The contemporary grey patterned carpet is a perfect foil and the rooms also feature a sofa, a coffee table and a Havana chair, although all of the furniture will not be in situ until later this month.

The bedrooms, as you would expect, have a dressing table, come desk come TV station, in a light oak, which compliments the headboard on the beds.

Dovetail was responsible for the soft furnishings,

and ‘case goods’ having been appointed by the contractor CLC to manufacture the fitted joinery products. The company have also provided the same service for Apex City Quay Hotel in Dundee. Said a spokesperson for Dovetail, “The design team appointed by the Apex Hotels group had a very clear specification in mind but were receptive to input from Dovetail to achieve the budget without compromising the design inspiration and corporate identity.

“On-time delivery and the ability to react to the unforeseen, is crucial when undertaking a refurbishment project within an operating hotel.

The close working relationship formed on this project between manufacturer, specifier, client and main contractor, CLC. has been fundamental in achieving on-time delivery and is a real demonstration of seamless team working.”

AUGUST 2018 • HOTELSCOTLAND • 23

XXXXXXX DESIGN XXXXXXX FOCUS

The technology in the rooms has also been updated with new Smart TVs and sockets that also have USB ports.

There has also been a substantial investment in the hotel’s elevators. Says Alan, “Guests don’t really notice how the elevator looks.

They just want it to take them up and down and not get stuck. But we are very happy with how they have turned out. They are a huge improvement.”

The Apex Grassmarket offers standard double rooms as well as luxurious options. The first room Alan showed Hotel Scotland was one of the Deluxe front facing rooms, of which there are 16 in the hotel. The real feature of the Deluxe room is the incredible view of Edinburgh Castle which can be seen through the wall to wall glass sliding doors, which lead out onto a balcony!

There are also 80 family rooms within the hotel which remain true to the new theme of design 24 • HOTELSCOTLAND • AUGUST 2018

and colour scheme except with two double beds instead of one. Alan explains, “There isn’t as much extra furniture in the family rooms. We wanted the room to feel spacious and airy and any more furniture would have made it feel cramped.”

He continues, “The work carried out has been fantastic and we are proud of the new look.”

The next phase will start after the Edinburgh Festival which the hotel is now gearing up for.

As part of its involvement this year The Apex Grassmarket allowed a production agency, which puts on shows and events, to make use of its meeting and events space during the Fringe. Alan, told Hotel Scotland, “It’s a great way to create a buzz within the hotel and offer something different. And the staff love it.”

Apex Hotels’ investment comes following another consecutive year of strong growth for 2016-17, with a six per cent rise in turnover – up to £65m from £61.3m the previous year.

BY JOCELYN O’KEEFE

With a history dating back to 1865, Dovetails heritage lies in Dundee; a UNESCO City of Design.

Dovetail is one of the oldest furniture and bed manufacturers in Scotland, with an extensive selection designed specifically for the contract market.

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The team, at Dovetail wish The Apex Grassmarket every success for their newly refurbished bedrooms.

www.dovetailenterprises.co.uk • T: 01382 810099 E: sales@dovetailenterprises.co.uk

AUGUST 2018 • HOTELSCOTLAND • 25

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DESIGN FOCUS

THE EDINBURGH GRAND 42 ST ANDREWS SQUARE, EDINBURGH EH2 2AD

C

ustomers will be checking in rather than checking their bank balances at 42 St Andrews Square now that the former Bank of Scotland HQ is the address of The Edinburgh Grand.

It’s a hotel that’s been four years in the making after this majestic neo-classical gem of a building got a polish in the form of a refurbishment.

According to CEO Chris Stewart of the Chris Stewart Group and sister company Lateral City Apartments, it’s a hotel – but not as we know it. He explained, “With The Edinburgh Grand we have created a new way for visitors to stay in the city. We deconstructed the traditional hotel model and re-built it, picking out the best features and rethinking the elements that don’t work anymore. People want independence and space when they travel. Families don’t always

like interconnecting or separate rooms, so apartments, rather than suites or rooms, offer everything that they want.”

The refurbishment forms part of a wider redevelopment for this part of the city, taking in The Edinburgh Grand, The Register Club, a bar-restaurant in the former bank hall called The Hawksmoor, a Chinese restaurant that’s under construction, plus office space, with a few units yet to be occupied. Said Chris, “We had a vision for the redevelopment of the area around West Register Street that would transform this corner just off St Andrew Square from a dark and neglected warren of lanes into a vibrant and elegant destination to include restaurants, bars, premium offices and apartments. By bringing into the building distinct, well-managed, and exceptional restaurants and bars, such as Hawksmoor and The Register Club, guests

BY JOCELYN O’KEEFE/JASON CADDY

are not tied to a traditional hotel food and beverage service, but can enjoy the best the city has to offer. It is a hotel, just a really well-thought out and innovative version.”

The design brief was naturally in sympathy with this stately building’s past. It was originally designed

by London architects, Mewes and Davis, who were commissioned by the then National Bank of Scotland to create a grand building that stood for wealth and stability. Chris explained, “The Edinburgh Grand was built between 1936 and 1942 and many of the original features reflect that era. You’ll find original marble-clad walls, bronze handrails and rich cognac timber panelling and doors that have been retained and restored, ornate corniced and detailed plaster ceilings and beautiful brass and pewter door handles that have been reinstated. A lot of the glasswork has been detailed in reeded glass, an apt acknowledgement AUGUST 2018 • HOTELSCOTLAND • 27

DESIGN FOCUS

of the building’s Art Deco style.

My guided tour of The Edinburgh Grand took in the lobby, some of the apartments, the penthouse and The reservation-only Register Club and I have to say that the design of the lobby very much reflects the Art Deco era.

It has a top-lit entrance atrium and black and white tiled floors with a bright pink circular sofa in the centre of the room. The reception desk is on the right as you enter and its original limestone columns and wood panelling have been restored.

As you would expect, many of the original features have been retained and used to add character to the apartments. The Directors Suite, formerly the banks Board of Directors dining room, is a case in point. It is stunning.

28 • HOTELSCOTLAND • AUGUST 2018

At one end of the suite there is the living area with white and grey painted wood panelling on the walls and traditional columns on either side of the fireplace. Next to the fireplace are two large velvet pale green couches with fringing along the bottom which is used throughout the hotel to signify when a couch is a sofa-bed.

There are also two lime green armchairs and two grey cushioned chairs. Reflecting the former use of the room, right in the centre is a huge marble topped oak dining table ready to seat ten for dinner, this suite is also available to book as an events space. This side of the room is very bright and spacious thanks to the huge windows on the back wall, complete with contemporary grey velvet curtains that hang straight and loose.

The huge mirror on the wall opposite allows the light to bounce around the space. There

are two golden chandeliers, one hanging above the couch area and the other above the dining table, with matching wall lights dotted all around the room.

Beyond the dining table is a set of double doors that lead into the master bedroom. The walls are panelled with the original cognac coloured oak and there is a King-size bed with a huge handcrafted headboard. Tucked behind the wooden room divider which the bed sits against there is a bathtub. The details in the bedroom coordinate with the living room thanks to the cushions and the wall lights being the same colour of green as the couches, and the room is completed with the same golden chandelier as appeared in the living room.

While all of the apartments offer character and

Vescom are delighted to have provided the upholstery fabrics for this prestigious project specified by the Chris Stewart Group. Two velvet fabrics, 100% Mohair ‘Zanzibar’ and Silk & Mohair mix ‘Togo’, were manufactured in Vescom’s own mill in Europe and were used

extensively throughout the building.

These fabrics echo the 5 star luxury interior prevalent within this listed building, which harks back to the Art Deco era. Mohair is timeless, luxurious yet hard wearing and easy to maintain.

Vescom are a second generation family owned company with offices throughout the world ensuring our full attention on your projects at home or overseas.

We manufacture and supply high quality wallcoverings, digital print wallcoverings, upholsteries and curtain fabrics to all markets.

For further information, please contact: T - 01295 273 644

www.vescom.com AUGUST 2018 • HOTELSCOTLAND • 29

DESIGN FOCUS

luxury, the real showstopper is at The Edinburgh Grand is its Penthouse, a floor that was actually added on during the refurbishment, which offers three super-king-size bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. The windows running along the corridor as you enter into the apartment offer panoramic views facing away from the city and towards North Berwick. The corridor leads into an open-plan kitchen and living area complete with couches over in the right corner and a glass dining table. The right-hand wall is glazed from floor to ceiling, showing off the roof terrace and stunning views across the city – and all the way up to Arthur’s Seat. Each bedroom is spacious and bright thanks to these floor-to-ceiling windows.

Nestled in the west wing of the hotel’s fourth floor is The Register Club. It’s reservation-only cocktail bar with a strict ‘no mobile phones’ rule. The bar aims to evoke the atmosphere of old-school members’ only clubs where guests dressed up and sipped on cocktails rather than scrolling through their phones and where the art of conversation was very much alive and well.

As well as the main bar, which also serves food, there’s a games room and a ‘snug’ - a big booth located within an alcove between the bar and games room.

All in all, I’m confident that the design concept, the quality finishes and the departure from the traditional hotel model will continue to make Edinburgh Grand a real industry talking point for quite some time.

30 • HOTELSCOTLAND • AUGUST 2018

We were delighted to be part of the project team for the creation of The Edinburgh Grand - we wish you every success!

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AUGUST 2018 • HOTELSCOTLAND • 33

CHECKOUT In my other role at DRAM Scotland, I am out and about wearing my judging hat. I’m not sure whether this is making me more critical than usual, but I was at a five star hotel in Perthsire the other day (meeting up with a fellow judge) before we headed to Montrose. You would have thought it was fairly straightforward ordering a tea and a coffee considering the venue wasn’t exactly full to brimming. If you show someone to a seat you kind of know they want a beverage, so why not come back and take an order? I had to go back up to the bar to ask if I could a coffee. And although I might expect a local bartender to answer me ‘Yip’ when I eventually got to order, I didn’t expect it at this quality establishment.

As someone said to me ‘you go there for the experience’, so here’s hoping my next experience there is better.

The tourism figures are out and they are record-breaking. I really hope this continues, and from I can of hotel vacancies over August in Sutherland it certainly looks that way. I tried to book a room at the Kylesku Hotel and it was fully booked for the whole month! Now that is good going.

34 • HOTELSCOTLAND • AUGUST 2018

FROM THE EDITOR The Tourism Tax – the government says it is not going to happen – the local councils say it is! This is not the time to sit back and presume it will be dismissed. The residents I have spoken to in Edinburgh are in favour... they can see why the hospitality industry does not want it, but they see it as a no-brainer when it comes to raising cash for necessary infrastructure repairs and such like. When it comes to votes I would imagine that if it becomes a populist vote winner the government wouldn’t be slow about changing its mind.

I am not sure whether Steven McLeod is relieved that Colessio has been sold or happy. (I have tried phoning him). I remember interviewing him in 2012 and again in 2014 when it opened – he admitted it was beset with problems from the start, and he ended up selling some of his shares in Aurora to keep funding it. I hope that the whole experience does not diminish his enthusiasm for the industry. Because the business would be a lot duller without him in it. And so say all of us.

Co m pli

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A Wee guide to EDINBURGH 2016

guide to...

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