Drilling into an opportunity

Hotel on Shetland offers prospective operators lifestyle change

The Brae Hotel on Shetland is said to benefit from both corporate and tourist trade

OPERATORS looking for a lifestyle change may be interested in the Brae Hotel, on the main island of Shetland.

Situated 150 miles north of the Scottish mainland, the hotel, which has been operated by the same family for the past three decades, is located near one of the main oil terminals serving the North Sea oil fields – the Sullom Voe Terminal – and is therefore said to benefit from strong occupancy levels throughout the year from commercial contractors.

It is also said to be easily accessible from the archipelago’s main airports, as well as the main ferry terminal, with regular services to Kirkwall and Aberdeen, therefore benefitting from tourists visiting the island too.

Set across two floors, the hotel comprises 35 en suite letting bedrooms, a 100-capacity function room, a restaurant and a public bar, The Northern Lights.

Also included in the sale is five semi-detached houses, each comprising three bedrooms, a lounge and kitchen; they are currently occupied by staff members.

Stuart Drysdale, director at Christie & Co, which is marketing the property at offers over £995,000 for the freehold, said: “The Brae Hotel presents a rarely available opportunity to purchase a well-established business on Shetland that has strong trade from both tourists and corporate visitors.

“The whole of Scotland, including the outlying islands, are certainly seeing an increase in visitation numbers from international and domestic visitors.

“Alongside its strong association with the North Sea oil and gas trade, the Brae Hotel is perfectly placed to capitalise on growing tourist numbers in the years to come.”