Championship golf resort Mar Hall saved by £15 million investment

One of Scotland’s luxury golf resorts has been saved by a multi-million-pound investment after falling into administration earlier this year.

The Dubai-based Dutco Group has committed £15 million to expand and upgrade the five-star Mar Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa Resort in Bishopton, Renfrewshire.

With the refurbishment set to begin next year, the new owners plan to create a hotel that will “rival world-class resorts such as Cameron House and Gleneagles”.

The property, which has hosted the likes of Harry Styles, Beyoncé and Brad Pitt, was put on the market in August.

Located on the banks of the River Clyde close to Glasgow Airport, Mar Hall faced an uncertain future despite its prestige.

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It was understood that more than 100 jobs were at risk, but the new owners have made their first venture into Scottish property to save the popular wedding venue.

Dating back to 1826, Mar Hall features 52 guest bedrooms, an 18-hole championship golf course, and a spa.

The investment package is hoped to enhance the resort, while “repositioning it as an international destination”.

Nelson Gibb, group CEO 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.”

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In the Expansion plans are updates to leisure and spa facilities, the construction of new woodland lodges, and the refurbishment of guestrooms and public spaces.

The purchase has been supported by investment firm Assign Partners and Chris King, managing director, added: “Mar Hall has strong fundamentals, which made this hotel a solid proposition for us.

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

Business will not be affected under the new ownership, as all pre-existing wedding, leisure and business bookings have been retained.