Gleneagles sees rise in turnover after investment in sports facilities

Gleneagles hotel has seen a rise in turnover as it continues to invest in its bedrooms and sporting facilities.

The five-AA-red-star hotel in Perthshire has found success with its strategy of promoting itself as a “glorious playground” in the Scottish countryside.

Over the past year Gleneagles invested in refurbishing 28 guest bedrooms and developed the Gleneagles Sporting Club, which offers new facilities such as padel courts and an indoor climbing wall to guests and members.

Conor O’Leary, managing director at Gleneagles, wrote in the hotel’s accounts that the “glorious playground” strategy will continue over the next year alongside an investment in sustainability and technology.

Gleneagles saw turnover rise to £87.4m in the year to 31 March 2024, up from £83.5m the previous year.

It reported pre-tax profits of £4.26m, down from £4.85m the previous year, while operating costs increased from £75m to £78m.

O’Leary said that while margins and profitability remained under pressure, costs were becoming more stable.

“The directors are confident that the quality of the product, the location of the hotel and the level of customer service will be a competitive advantage to maintain and hopefully increase market share,” he wrote.

Gleneagles was ranked among The Caterer’s 30 Best Places to Work in hospitality this year while O’Leary was named Hotelier of the Year in 2023 for his work transforming the estate from a golf-led resort to a broader and more modern hotel offering multiple activities.

Gleneagles employed an average of 1,169 people during the year and said it had run a company-wide survey in February to develop new staff initiatives and improve culture.

It also uses a platform to allow employees to anonymously question the senior leadership team.

Darron Bunn was appointed executive chef at Gleneagles earlier this year as the hotel said it was looking to begin “a new culinary chapter”.