The George Hotel in Inveraray, a landmark establishment with a history spanning 165 years, has entered administration, marking the end of seven generations of ownership by the Clark family. The hotel employs 60 full-time and part-time staff.
Administrators overseeing the sale of the historic 24-room Scottish boutique hotel have appointed specialist hotel agent Colliers to market the business and property in Inveraray for offers over £2.85m.
Begbies Traynor were appointed as joint administrators of Inveraray Inn Ltd, which traded as the George Hotel, on 28 March. Thomas McKay, a partner at Begbies Traynor, who is overseeing the business while it remains trading, is managing the sale process with the administrators, as the business continues to trade as usual.
The hotel employs 60 full-time and part-time staff. McKay emphasised that safeguarding these jobs remains a priority: “The business has been in the Clark family for seven generations and their priority was to safeguard the jobs and future of the employees.”
Administrators are hopeful that continued support from locals and visitors will attract a buyer who can preserve the hotel’s legacy.
Operations at the 24-bedroom boutique hotel will continue as normal while administrators market it to potential buyers. Kenneth Craig, joint administrator at Begbies Traynor, expressed optimism: “The business has a great reputation both as a restaurant and bar, and as one of Scotland’s most historic hotels. We’re confident that a suitably qualified buyer will want to take over the reins of the George.”
Susan Young, editor of DRAM Scotland, noted the emotional toll on the Clark family: “My heart goes out to them. They put their heart and soul into The George. It is a great venue, and whoever takes it over will benefit greatly from the goodwill that the family have created.”
Colliers will be leading the search for a buyer for the waterside George Hotel, bar and restaurant business, which stands on a one-acre site on the western shore of Loch Fyne. There are also five residential properties for sale as part of the administration, situated adjacent to the hotel and on Inveraray’s main street, with a total asking price of around £750,000.
Colliers director Robert Smithson said: “This is an outstanding hotel asset in a beautiful visitor destination. Despite the administration, the George has a strong trading history and continues to operate well. The hotel hasn’t changed hands in over 165 years of family ownership and is one of the region’s longest-established independent hotel venues, as well as being very popular with local residents.
“It does present opportunities for growth, however at the moment it’s an ideal turnkey asset of the sort that rarely comes to the market and we expect a lot of interest from investors.”
The boutique hotel, which employs 60 full and part-time staff, has won many accolades for its accommodation, bar and food. Its restaurant currently holds an AA rosette.
Thomas McKay, who is overseeing the business while it remains trading and is managing the sale process with the administrators, said: “The hotel is being put on the market imminently and we will work with our agents Colliers to secure a buyer but we have already had interest in the business. The hotel remains open as normal and we continue to honour all future bookings to protect the business as a going concern.
He added: “We want to thank the public and local community for their fantastic support and response and for continuing to enjoy the amazing food, drink and accommodation on offer at the George Hotel, and also the staff for their ongoing hard work during the process of administration.”
Potential buyers and interested parties can find out more about the George Hotel and make enquiries directly with Colliers’ Glasgow office on 0141 226 1000.
As spring transitions into summer—a peak trading period—the administrators are urging locals and tourists alike to continue supporting the hotel during this critical time. With over 25,000 subscribers and loyal customers behind it, there is hope that The George Hotel’s storied legacy can be preserved under new ownership.
