End of an era as family sells business after 60 years
BESPOKE Hotels, the Warrington-based hospitality group, has acquired family-owned McMillan Hotels for an undisclosed sum.
McMillan, based in Stranraer, was established in 1962 and consists of three hotels in the south west of Scotland: North West Castle in Stranraer, Cally Palace Hotel and Golf Course in Gatehouse of Fleet and Fernhill Hotel in Portpatrick. Bespoke has said that all staff at the three hotels will be retained.
The acquisition brings Bespoke’s Scottish portfolio to 26 hotels, with the estate also including properties such as The Bonham Hotel in Edinburgh, Tulloch Castle Hotel in Dingwall and Stonefield Castle at Loch Fyne.
“As the hotels have been owned by the McMillan family for many years, it was imperative that the trio were placed in safe hands,” said McMillan Hotels managing director, Douglas McMillan.
“Ultimately, we could not be happier with the outcome of our sale of the hotels and we very much look forward to seeing what the future brings for them.”
Bespoke chief executive, Thomas Greenall, said the McMillan properties are “intrinsic to the hospitality scene in south west Scotland, and we cannot wait to develop them further, building on their excellent reputation within the community”.
“We can confirm that the current team at the hotels will be able to continue their roles and day-to-day activities unaffected – we are keen for business to continue as normal,” said Greenall.
“Overall, this is another significant milestone for the Bespoke family, as the acquisition will bring our group to almost 90 hotels, 26 of which are in Scotland.”
