New owners of Mar Hall pledge £15m for hotel upgrade

A five-star Renfrewshire hotel, favoured by celebrities, has been acquired by a Dubai-based firm.

Mar Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa Resort in Bishopton went into administration in August but has now been bought by the Dutco group.

The hotel has previously played host to stars such as Beyoncé and Brad Pitt.

The new owners, who also have hotels in Dubai and the Maldives, said they would invest £15m upgrading the resort.

It is the company's first acquisition in Scotland.

Nelson Gibb, chief executive of the Dutco Group, said Scotland was a "world-class destination for hospitality" and the company was looking forward to bringing its vision to life.

Plans include an expansion to the resort with added woodland lodges, revitalised leisure and spa facilities, and a refurbishment of the guestrooms and public spaces.

The company said they wanted to capture the "essence of Mar Hall's rich Scottish heritage", while adding a modern twist that will see it rival resorts such as Cameron House on Loch Lomond and Gleneagles in Perth and Kinross.

The group will be supported by investment and asset management firm, Align Partners, which owns a string of UK-based hotels.

Mar Hall, which dates back to 1826, is located in the 240-acre Earl of Mar Estate in Bishopton.

The five-star hotel is home to an 18-hole championship golf course and spa.

It is also a popular wedding venue.

The refurbishment is expected to start in early 2024.