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Crerar Hotels has named Joanna Whysall as general manager at the hotel group’s property in Ballater, the Balmoral Arms, which is currently undergoing a £2.2m refurbishment.
Formerly known as the Deeside Inn, the property will re-launch in the coming months as the with Whysall heading up the team “striving” for five-star status off the back of the seven-figure transformation.
According to the hotel, Whysall has dedicated six years to the Crerar Hotels property in Ballater from 2012 to 2018 and is “excited” to move back to the area to oversee the final stages of the refurbishment and rebranding – including a recruitment drive to build the team that will re-launch the new proposition.
A total of 29 roles will be created within the local area including chefs, housekeeping, and food and beverage team members – with opportunities to suit experienced hoteliers as well as those looking to “embark” on a career in the industry.
The hotel said all team members will, alongside Whysall, play a “key role” in the launch of the Balmoral Arms following its refurbishment, which will bring a “range” of suites and deluxe rooms as well as a new dining experience and spa treatment rooms to the Ballater retreat.
Whysall said: “It’s an absolute privilege to be leading the launch of Balmoral Arms at such an exciting and crucial time.
“I’m well aware of the high standards of authentic Scottish hospitality that our guests are accustomed to and I’m looking forward to recruiting an outstanding team to re-open what will undoubtedly be a five-star proposition in the heart of Royal Deeside – and at the most fitting time, during a milestone Jubilee year.”
Chris Wayne-Wills, CEO of Crerar Hotels, added: “We’re delighted to name Joanna as the new general manager of the soon-to-launch Balmoral Arms. We’re investing heavily in creating a retreat fit for royalty and Joanna is an absolute expert when it comes to ensuring the level of service that goes along with such a proposition.
“I have every confidence that Joanna will create an outstanding team that will not only thrive, but also achieve real success during the final stages of the refurbishment, and beyond.”
