22 June 2009

Aviemore rescued from administration

Macdonald Hotels is to acquire Scotland’s Aviemore Highland Resort after it fell into administration.

The deal with administrators PriceWaterhouseCoopers will secure the future of the resort and the 300 jobs that it currently provides, according to the hotel company.

Macdonald Hotels will provide funding to complete the refurbishment of each of the hotels on the resort and add facilities including a children’s fun factory, cinema and clubhouse at the Spey Valley Championship Golf Course at Dalfaber.

The resort had been on the brink of closure over the past two years and being sold off piecemeal because of planning difficulties.

Macdonald Hotels executive chairman Donald Macdonald said: "It is time to put aside the baggage and troubles associated with this resort over the past 20 years.

"Tourism is the lifeblood of the Highlands and Aviemore and the Spey Valley offers unique natural beauty and facilities for all to enjoy.

"Our task, along with the ongoing support of the Cairngorm National Park Authority, is to establish the resort as a world class leisure and conference destination that we can all be proud of and one which will help maximise the full potential of the area."

by Phil Davies