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  SLTA Urges Action as Chancellor's Spring Statement Fails to Provide Relief for Struggling Hospitality Sector

  Thursday, March 7, 2024

  The SLTA (Scottish Licensed Trade Association) has reiterated its concerns of the material threat of long-term damage to the competitiveness of Scotland’s licensed hospitality and tourism sector as a result of ongoing inaction by both the UK and Scottish governments.

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  18th Century Scottish Hotel Acquired by Melville Hotels: Garth Hotel, Grantown-on-Spey

  Tuesday, March 5, 2024

  Melville Hotels has recently added the historic Garth Hotel in Grantown-on-Spey to its portfolio
  
  The hotel, which dates back to 1769, is described as a "beautiful small hotel" by new owner Mr Melville.
  
  With plans for Italian Scottish fusion menus, unique cocktail lists, and tribute shows, Melville Hotels aims to bring something fresh to the town.

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  61 Million Tourists Descend upon Scotland's Popular Attractions in 2023

  Monday, March 4, 2024

  Last year, Scotland welcomed a substantial influx of tourists as attractions reported a combined total of 61,041,009 visits, marking an impressive increase of 7,527,801 since the previous year.
  
  according to recent reports from The Moffat Centre at Glasgow Caledonian University and ASVA, free attractions welcomed approximately 30,605,269 visitors in total, marking a notable rise of 4,354,960.
  
  The sector experienced a noteworthy rebound as the number of visitors to paid-for attractions surged by 19.2%, reaching a record-breaking 18,080,369.

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  2024-25 Scottish Budget: No Relief for Hospitality Businesses

  Wednesday, February 28, 2024

  Yesterday at Holyrood, the unchanged Scottish Budget for 2024-25 was passed, leaving hospitality businesses in Scotland facing a disadvantage
  
  With England introducing a 75% business rates relief in November 2023, Scottish hospitality owners and trade bodies had hoped for a reconsideration of Scotland's stance.
  
  The Scottish Budget remaining untouched is the most evident indication so far that the Scottish Government has forsaken its business reconciliation efforts. (Leon Thompson)

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  10 Years of Transforming Lives: Diageo's Learning for Life programme

  Monday, February 26, 2024

  Last week, Diageo's acclaimed Learning for Life hospitality industry skills programme celebrated an impressive milestone - its ten-year anniversary.
  
  At Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh, politicians, industry leaders, and programme graduates convened to recognize the achievements of this impactful initiative.
  
  Over the past decade, Diageo has invested £10 million in the Learning for Life programme, providing top-tier training through partnership with Springboard.

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  20-Year-Old Scottish Hospitality Business Aims for Record Year

  Thursday, February 22, 2024

  Surgeons Quarter Ltd, a prominent name in Scotland's hospitality industry, is celebrating its 20-year milestone and looking forward to its most successful year yet
  
  Based in Edinburgh's Old Town, the RCSEd's commercial enterprise is projected to reach £12 million in income by broadening its range of offerings, which include conferencing, events, and hotel services.
  
  Surgeons Quarter, which was founded in 2003, currently offers ample space for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and is among the city's most substantial performance facilities.

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  Iconic BT Tower in London Sold for £275 Million to MCR Hotels: New Era as a Landmark Hotel

  Wednesday, February 21, 2024

  In a significant move, the iconic BT Tower in London has been sold for £275 million to American hotel owner-operator, MCR Hotels
  
  The historic communications tower, which was opened in 1965 and stood as London's tallest building until 1981, is set to take on a new role as a landmark hotel.
  
  According to reports, the sale reflects BT Group's digital shift, with many network operations previously carried out from the tower now delivered via fixed and mobile networks.

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  290-Room Home2 Suites by Hilton Debuts in Dublin City Centre in 2025

  Wednesday, February 21, 2024

  Making history, Home2 Suites by Hilton, a prominent brand within the Hilton family, is poised to begin its European journey in Dublin City Centre, marking its arrival in Western Europe
  
  The property is positioned within close proximity to O'Connell Street, known for its vitality, and the world-renowned St. Patrick's Day Parade; it will provide guests with 290 rooms, featuring 214 king studio
  
  suites and 76 one-bedroom suites.

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  5-Star Luxury Accommodation Debuts on the North Coast: Dunluce Lodge

  Wednesday, February 21, 2024

  A new five-star hotel and hospitality venue, Dunluce Lodge, worth £16.5 million is scheduled to debut close to Royal Portrush golf course this fall.
  
  Situated by the fourth fairway, the lodge will offer more than 80 local employment opportunities and feature 35 luxury suites.
  
  The property will also contain a small spa, private dining facilities, and a cozy fireside lounge area.

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  Revolutionary Vertical Farm Debuts in Gloucestershire, UK

  Tuesday, February 20, 2024

  Jones Food Company, a pioneering vertical farming business backed by Ocado, unveils its advanced vertical farm in Lydney, Gloucestershire
  
  In the UK, Jones Food Company's new facility, referred to as JFC2, marks their second foray into vertical farming, preceded by their initiatives in Lincolnshire (2018) and an innovation center in Bristol (2022).
  
  At JFC2, an assortment of herbs and salad greens is grown, which consist of basil, coriander, flat-leaf parsley, dill, lettuce, pak choi, and baby leaf cress.