Mar Hall

Mar Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa Resort, a prominent Scottish hotel, is acquired by Dubai’s Dutco Group in collaboration with ...

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Mar Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa Resort, a prominent Scottish hotel, is acquired by Dubai’s Dutco Group in collaboration with Align Partners. The £15 million investment will transform the property into a luxury international destination. The deal marks the first change of ownership in almost two decades for the historic hotel.

Dubai-based Dutco Group, in collaboration with Align Partners, has acquired Scotland’s Mar Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa Resort, initiating a £15 million investment for a comprehensive upgrade. Dating back to 1826, Mar Hall, located in Bishopton near Glasgow, will undergo a sympathetic restoration, combining its Scottish heritage with modern elements to rival renowned resorts. The new owners plan to expand the resort with luxury woodland lodges, enhance leisure and spa facilities, and refurbish guestrooms and public spaces. The acquisition represents Dutco Group’s first entry into Scotland’s hospitality market, demonstrating confidence in Mar Hall’s potential through targeted investment.

The resort, situated on the 240-acre Earl of Mar Estate, boasts a mature 18-hole championship golf course and spa, making it a popular choice for weddings. Mar Hall has not changed ownership for almost 20 years and has hosted notable figures such as Beyonce, Harry Styles, Brad Pitt, Liam Gallagher, and Ed Sheeran.

Dutco Group and Align Partners are currently in discussions with architects and interior designers, with plans to commence refurbishment in early 2024. The vision includes an expansion with new luxury lodges, rejuvenated leisure and spa facilities, and a thorough refurbishment of guestrooms and public spaces. Despite the change in ownership, all pre-existing bookings for weddings, leisure, and business events will be honoured.

Nelson Gibb, Group Chief Executive Officer at Dutco Group, expressed confidence in Mar Hall’s potential and outlined their vision for creative investment. Chris King, Managing Director at Align Partners, emphasised the hotel’s strong fundamentals and their vision to restore its luxury country club reputation, ensuring it competes with Scotland’s best 5-star hotels.

Kris Aspin, Head of EY Scotland’s Turnaround and Restructuring team, celebrated securing Mar Hall’s future, highlighting the significant global interest in premium Scottish hospitality assets. EY acted as the Joint Administrators, and Savills and Addleshaw Goddard LLP advised them, while Pinsent Masons advised Mar Hall Hospitality Ltd (a Dutco Group company). The hotel remains open for business during the renovation, with the wedding calendar continuing as scheduled.

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