The Douglas Hotel is the latest addition as company continues to build its accommodation business
BUZZWORKS Holdings is set to grow the accommodation side of its business with the acquisition of The Douglas Hotel on Arran.
Subject to completion mid-July, The Douglas will remain open through the summer season before closing throughout autumn and winter for a refurbishment, reopening in spring 2027. The seven-figure transformation of the 170 year-old hotel will be spearheaded by designer Jim Hamilton. The revitalised hotel will feature ‘21 beautifully designed bedrooms, a vibrant open-plan bar and restaurant and enhanced outdoor spaces’.
The company – which was named SLTN Independent Multiple Operator of the Year (8+ units) at the 2-25 SLTN Awards – has said the team at The Douglas Hotel will remain in place following the takeover.
Buzzworks has been building the accommodation side of its business this year, acquiring The Nether Abbey Hotel in North Berwick and The Bonnie Badger restaurant with rooms in Gullane as well as opening new boutique bedrooms at its Stewarton venue The Mill House.
Kenny Blair, CEO at Buzzworks, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be welcoming The Douglas into Buzzworks. This is an iconic hotel with a fantastic reputation, and we are proud to be taking this special place forward and building on its legacy.
“This investment allows us to build on what The Douglas already offers, whether guests are coming in for a casual drink or a bite to eat, enjoying a meal in the restaurant, or settling in for a comfortable and stylish overnight stay. We know how much this hotel means to the island, and we’re keen to honour what’s already here while bringing our own passion for great hospitality to it — creating a place that visitors love and that the people of Arran can enjoy and call their own for many years to come.”
Douglas Hotel general manager, Kate Russell, said: “We are incredibly proud of what The Douglas has become and the role it has played in welcoming both island residents and visitors to Arran over the years.
“It has been a privilege to care for such an iconic hotel, and we’d like to thank our guests, our dedicated team and the local community for the incredible support they have shown throughout that time.
“As we look to the future, we believe Buzzworks is the right fit to take The Douglas into its next chapter. The business’ passion for hospitality, respect for the heritage of their venues and commitment to the communities they serve gives us great confidence that the hotel has an exciting future ahead.”
