The Balmoral Group is set to acquire the Marcliffe Hotel and Spa in Aberdeenshire, with the deal expected to be complete this month.
The Marcliffe is currently owned and operated by the Spence family, with Ross Spence holding the managing director position.
Together, Balmoral Group and the Spence family will define a transition plan for continuity and stability.
Balmoral Group does not plan to adjust existing staffing and there will be no change to current event, wedding and hotel bookings.
Acting as an investor, Balmoral Group has appointed Effective Hospitality Management (EHM) to operate the hotel in collaboration with the Marcliffe team.
Balmoral Group will continue the ongoing refurbishment programme at the hotel and has plans to inject a substantial initial investment into modernising the hotel’s systems, processes and suites.
Sir Jim Milne, Balmoral Group founder and chairman, said: “The Marcliffe is an Aberdeen institution, and is an establishment very close to my heart. I’ve known the Spence family for a long time, and it feels like a natural progression for Balmoral Group. Stewart is recognised as one of the best hoteliers in Scotland, and it’s through his work that we have strong foundations to continue his legacy.
“Maintaining the quality and standards that the Marcliffe is known for, while also retaining jobs, is of the utmost importance to us. We are completely committed to the Aberdeen community through our backing of Friends of ANCHOR and other charitable foundations, and we want The Marcliffe to prosper through our ownership.”
Spence added: “While it’s bittersweet to think we may soon be handing over the keys to The Marcliffe, we know that Balmoral is the perfect fit to continue its legacy. As long-time custodians of The Marcliffe brand, our family has cherished and nurtured it with love and dedication.
“So much of our lives have been spent here and the staff and regular customers have become family over the years – Sir Jim is part of that. We are confident that Balmoral will honour The Marcliffe’s heritage and care for it with the same passion and commitment that has been at the heart of our family so that the hotel will thrive for decades more.”