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Ayrshire’s Seamill Hydro Hotel has been acquired by the RAD Hotel Group, becoming the ninth venue in its portfolio.
The hotel features 84 guest bedrooms and two “luxurious” suites, many with spectacular views over the Firth of Clyde and the Arran mountains. It also features the Firth Pavilion wedding and events suite, as well as the Orangery Restaurant, Aura Lounge Bar, leisure facilities, including a 16-metre indoor pool, a gym, and a salon.
The business employs just under 200 people with the longest serving, Mary, surpassing 40 years of service earlier this year.
The hotel had previously released plans for further development, which the new owners are said to be looking to enhance and accelerate.
Seamill Hydro has been under the leadership of the Sweeney family for more than three decades.
On behalf of the family, Sylvester Sweeney said: “During our time as custodians of Seamill Hydro we have enjoyed the highest highs, like the grand opening of the stunning Firth Pavilion. We have also endured the most agonising lows such as witnessing the closure of the hotel during the country’s fight against the pandemic.
“Our family has decided that it is the right time to start a new chapter in our lives and to pass on the honour of being custodians of Seamill Hydro. We know that the hotel will flourish under the leadership of the Kyle family who share so many of our values as well as our vision for the future of the hotel.”
RAD owners, Robert and Vivien Kyle, reassured guests that all bookings are secure, deposits and vouchers will be honoured, and all future weddings and events will be secure. The existing team will remain in their positions allowing for “complete continuity” during the transition of ownership.
Robert and Vivien said: “Not only are we delighted to be taking over from one family to another, but we are also proud to be adding another iconic Ayrshire based hotel to our prominent portfolio.
“Seamill Hydro could not be a better fit for us, with many similarities to our existing venues. RAD Hotel Group has a passion for ensuring guest experience is top priority which aligns well with the current values at Seamill Hydro, we all look forward to continuing this impressive legacy built by The Sweeney Family.”
The transaction was brokered by Brian Sheldon, regional director in Christie and Co’s Scottish Hospitality team, who said: “We have worked with both RAD Hotel Group and the Seamill Hydro over many years and are delighted to have assisted both families in the conclusion of this transaction. The sale demonstrates the ongoing investor and operator appetite for hotel opportunities across Scotland.”
The RAD Hotel Group portfolio already includes Lochside Hotel, Spa and Lodges in New Cumnock, Ayrshire; Dalmeny Park House Hotel in Barrhead, Hetland Hall Hotel in Dumfries and Galloway, The Carlton Hotel in Prestwick, The Royal Hotel in Cumnock as well as The Radstone Hotel in Lanarkshire. Other venues to join in the last year include the Fairfield House Hotel in Ayr and the historic Brig o’Doon House Hotel in Alloway.
