Wirefox acquires golf coast hotel Ducks Inn

Northern Irish private investment company Wirefox has acquired the Ducks Inn as part of its Marram hotel collection, expanding its leisure portfolio across the UK and Ireland.

The privately owned hotel in East Lothian was acquired in September for an undisclosed sum. Wirefox has now closed the hotel to undertake a full renovation.

The purchase follows a series of notable acquisitions by the group in 2022, including Northern Ireland’s The Bushmills Inn, and the iconic St Andrews golfing hotel, The Ardgowan. The Ducks Inn is now the third property to be announced in the Marram Hotel collection.

Kathryn Robinson, investment director at Wirefox, said: “As we grow the Marram collection, we’re looking for properties with unique and authentic character which we can transform.

“For golfers, the hotel is the ideal base in East Lothian, with 21 courses in close proximity, many of which have hosted championships and qualifiers for The Open. Plans are already underway to revitalise the offering, taking inspiration from the surrounding environment.”

It is expected the full renovation will be complete by summer 2024, with the venue ready to reopen under a new brand.

Ruaridh Macdonald, hospitality director at Wirefox added: “We are very much looking forward to welcoming both new and returning customers to the rejuvenated hotel, bar and restaurant when we relaunch next year.

“As with Bushmills and Ardgowan, our approach will be to deliver an authentic experience that is as unique as the landscape that surrounds it. East Lothian is famed not only for its world class golf courses but also its coastline, wildlife and local attractions. To match this with world class hospitality will attract domestic and international travellers alike – whether they love golf or just want to enjoy everything East Lothian has to offer.”