Three Chimneys and The Pierhouse snapped up
AN Argyll hotel and an award-winning Skye restaurant with rooms have become the first businesses in a new Scottish hotel company from Gordon Campbell Gray.
The global hotelier has set up The Wee Hotel Company to develop and invest in properties across his native Scotland, starting with The Pierhouse Hotel and Seafood Restaurant in the village of Port Appin, between Oban and Fort William, and The Three Chimneys on Skye.
The acquisition of the 12-bedroom Pierhouse Hotel, which sits on the shores of Loch Linnhe with views of the isles of Lismore and Mull, was confirmed last month, with The Three Chimneys acquisition announced today (April 26).
Gray said he plans to invest in both properties while retaining and building upon the reputations built by their former owners.
The Wee Hotel Company is expected to announce further acquisitions in the coming weeks, and said each of its properties will seek to give guests a “genuine introduction to Scottish hospitality in stylish, contemporary surroundings”, with food and drink “an integral part of the philosophy and experience”.
Gray, who will now take on an ambassadorial role at management firm Campbell Gray Hotels – which he founded and which counts the recently-opened Machrie on Islay and The Merchant House in Bahrain in its portfolio, said: “I’ve been lucky enough to live and work in many countries across the world but I really feel that few can rival the sheer magnificence of Scotland when it comes to scenery, food and drink.
“For several years I’ve wanted to come home to Scotland. The Wee Hotel Company is the result of this ambition and the start of an exciting new chapter in my life.”
Shirley Spear, who founded The Three Chimneys with husband Eddie more than 30 years ago, and who was presented with the SLTN Award for Industry Achievement in 2017, said she and Eddie were “extremely proud” of the business.
“We have now reached a point in our lives where we want to travel more and work a little less,” said Shirley.
“Our focus has been on finding the right person who shares our vision for what The Three Chimneys can develop further for the long-term future, and we are extremely pleased to have found that person in Gordon. We know The Three Chimneys, The House Over-By and our exceptional team will be in great hands. We are also very proud of the fact that Gordon is so keen to invest his outstanding expertise in this remote, fragile area of the island, knowing he has already fallen in love with our beautiful views and peaceful surroundings here at Colbost.”
