With a champagne reception and a ribbon cutting, the new Amorist Hotel in Dunfermline High Street has been officially opened.
The brainchild of Dunfermline businessman, Nihat Oymak, the 18-bedroom hotel aims to provide a major boost to the Fife city’s potential as a short break destination.
Oymak, who also owns and operates the award-winning Antioch Turkish restaurant in Bridge Street, has reportedly spent in excess of £700k creating a ‘modern and contemporary’ hotel which he is confident will appeal to tourists and business travellers alike.
Oymak said: “The sympathetic refurbishment of the top three floors of this building into a modern hotel has been a huge labour of love by myself, and my team.
“It’s taken a great deal of hard work, commitment, and, of course, budget, to create the inviting, well equipped space we now have for the City of Dunfermline.
“We started the project in 2022, planning to open the hotel in Spring 2023, but a huge and catastrophic earthquake hit my home town in Turkey in February 2023, and not only did I sadly lose several family members, but I lost properties, not to mention a great deal of money,” he revealed.
“I had to take time away from the project to return home to Turkey. But we persevered, as I really wanted to finish the hotel, so I am very proud to present the building that you see today.”.
Provost of Fife Jim Leishman, together with local MSP Shirley Anne Somerville, visited the hotel On Thursday 5th March to conduct the formal opening.
“I wish to thank Provost Leishman, Shirley Anne, and the other invited guests who came along last night. I cut the ribbon with them, along with my daughters, my wife, and other family members who have all supported me in this challenging project.
“We will open to paying guests next week. The new hotel will be a fantastic addition to the city’s existing accommodation options, as at the moment, there is not a great deal of hotel provision here.
“Given our city status, it’s a missed opportunity,” said Oymak. “We want to attract more visitors to Dunfermline, and also cater for business travellers.”
Between the new hotel, and the Amorist Bistro Bar, several new jobs have been created by the project, including the hiring of head chef, Victoria Morrison, who previously cooked for royalty and dignitaries at the Palace of Holyrood.
“The whole place looks amazing, and I could not be more pleased,” added Oymak. “It’s a real vision brought to life.
“We look forward to attracting a star rating for the hotel, from the relevant bodies, in the coming months.”
Convener of the City of Dunfermline Area Committee, Cllr James Calder, commented: “This investment is fantastic news for Dunfermline and for Fife’s tourism and hospitality sector.
“The opening of the Amorist Hotel will strengthen the city’s appeal as a destination for short breaks and business travel, creating new jobs and supporting local businesses.
“We’re proud that the council’s Invest Fife team was able to support this development, facilitating loan funding through Business Loan Scotland to help bring this ambitious project to life.”
Commenting from VisitScotland, destination development director Caroline Warburton said: “Increasing the number of rooms in the city and surrounding area is important for the ongoing success of Dunfermline as a visitor destination.
“The city has much to offer for those looking for a short break full of culture, history and heritage, or a longer stay to explore Fife and the wider region. The Amorist Hotel will be a welcome addition and help encourage those overnight stays.”
