Crossbasket Castle has appointed a new leadership team as it enters ‘an exciting new chapter’ in the evolution of its luxury hospitality business.
The hotel and associated estate, near High Blantyre in South Lanarkshire, has been the focus of multi-million-pound investment in recent years, pushing hard to establish itself at the top end of the market.
That ambitious campaign is continuing with the upcoming opening of Crossbasket’s Four Angels Spa and a collection of new riverside cabins.
Arriving into this ongoing development are Katie Moran, who has been appointed as Crossbasket Castle’s new hotel manager, and John Abercrombie, who joins as resort director.
Moran brings extensive operational and leadership experience from some of Glasgow’s leading hotels.
Most recently hotel manager at AC Hotel by Marriott, she began her hospitality career with IHG before progressing through a series of senior roles at voco Grand Central Hotel, including food and beverage manager and director of operations.
Moran’s achievements were recognised with an Acorn Award, one of hospitality’s most respected accolades for emerging industry talent.
At Crossbasket, she will play a key role in leading the hotel operation as the estate expands its offering.
Moran said: “Crossbasket Castle has built a reputation most estates take decades to earn. I am joining the team at one of the most pivotal and exciting moments in its journey, with an incredible vision for what comes next.
“There is a real sense of momentum across the estate, and I am excited to be part of the team bringing that vision to life. I look forward to building on what has already been achieved and helping take the guest experience to another level.”
Abercrombie brings more than two decades of hospitality experience across leading hotel and resort operations, joining from The Westerwood Hotel, Golf & Spa Resort, where, as GM, he delivered strong revenue and profit growth. His career has also included senior operational roles with Radisson Blu, including director of operations at the group’s Royal Mile hotel in Edinburgh and an interim leadership role at its Stansted Airport property.
At Crossbasket, Abercrombie will oversee the wider estate operation, supporting the team as the property expands its accommodation, wellness and leisure offering.
He said: “The calibre of the team already here is what drew me to Crossbasket Castle. There is a huge amount to be proud of, but also an incredible opportunity to build on that success as the estate enters its next chapter.
“My focus is on giving the team the support, leadership and opportunities they need to keep raising the bar, while ensuring that every aspect of the guest experience reflects the quality and ambition of Crossbasket.”
Owner of Crossbasket Castle, Steve Timoney, added: “Crossbasket has achieved an extraordinary amount in a relatively short space of time, and that is ultimately down to our team on the ground.
“People are at the heart of everything we do, which is why Alison and I are particularly excited to welcome Katie and John to the leadership team. They bring tremendous experience, energy and fresh perspective, and we are looking forward to working closely with them on this next chapter.
“We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved with Crossbasket so far, and we genuinely believe we are only at the beginning of the journey.”
