A five-star hotel which fell into administration has been saved with a £15m investment. 

Dubai-based Dutco Group has acquired Mar Hall in Bishopton with ambitious plans to expand and upgrade the estate. 

Plans include sympathetic restoration which will capture the essence of Mar Hall’s rich Scottish heritage while adding a modern twist in a bid to compete with the likes of Cameron House and Gleneagles.

We previously reported that the hotel, golf and spa resort, located on a 240-acre woodland estate, was left facing an 'uncertain' future when administrators were appointed in August. 

Dating back to 1826 and first opened as a hotel in 2004, this is the first time Mar Hall has been sold in almost 20 years.

Throughout that time, it was been visited by A-list celebrities including Beyonce, Harry Styles, Brad Pitt, Liam Gallagher and Ed Sheeran. 

Nelson Gibb, Group Chief Executive Officer at Dutco Group, said: “This is our first hotel acquisition in Scotland which is recognised as a world-class destination for hospitality.

"This deal is testament to our confidence in Mar Hall and what we believe we can achieve through targeted and creative investment.

"We are looking forward to working with the Mar Hall team and our partners over the coming years to bring our vision to life.”

Dutco Group will work with Align Partners, who are already in conversations with architects and interior designers.

It is expected that work will begin in early 2024, with an expansion featuring luxury woodland villages, revitalised leisure and spa facilities, and full refurbishment of guestrooms and public spaces. 

It will be business as usual under the new ownership and with all pre-existing wedding, leisure and business bookings retained.

Dutco Group brings impressive hospitality experience to the deal which includes the delivery of its JA branded luxury hotel properties in Dubai, Maldives and Seychelles and Marriot brand in the United States.

Chris King, managing director at Align Partners, added: “Mar Hall has strong fundamentals which made this hotel a solid proposition for us.

"In addition to its physical assets, its striking setting, coupled with its previous reputation for excellence, position it well for redevelopment.

"Our vision is to ensure it reaches its full potential and can compete with Scotland’s best 5-star hotels, restoring its luxury country club reputation.

“As we embark on our aspirations, the hotel remains open for business and the wedding calendar will continue as scheduled.”

 

Management consulting company EY-Parthenon's Turnaround and Restructuring Strategy team was appointed administrator of the hotel in the summer. 

Head of the team, Kris Aspin, said: “We are delighted to secure the future of Mar Hall. We received an exceptional level of interest in the resort from around the world, underlining the attractiveness of premium Scottish hospitality assets and Mar Hall’s significant potential.

"We are very grateful to the loyal team at Mar Hall for their support and we wish them and the new owners all the best for the future.”