Machrie hotel and golf links to open in June

The long-awaited opening of the luxury Machrie hotel and golf links in Scotland's Inner Hebrides will take place in June, Campbell Gray Hotels has confirmed.

 

The converted 18th-century farmhouse and world-class golf course on the Isle of Islay were bought out of administration in 2011 by former BBC chairman Gavyn Davies and Baroness Sue Nye, a former advisor to the then prime minister Gordon Brown. However, the redevelopment from 16-bed hotel to a complex of 47 rooms, suites and lodges has been a complicated and drawn-out process exacerbated by the venue's island location.

 

Campbell Gray Hotels operates the property and recently installed Anne Schaeflein as general manager to oversee the launch. Gordon Campbell Gray, founder of Campbell Gray Hotels, said: "Anne is the right person to oversee the launch and running of this super new hotel and links course on Islay. Her wealth of industry experience, love of Scotland and commitment to sustainability and local community initiatives will certainly make her a great asset to the team."

 

Prior to joining Machrie in November 2017, Schaeflein helped launch Corbie & Cheip, a delicatessen and wine bar in Auchterarder, Perthshire. Her previous hotel experience included stints as general manager at the Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa & Golf; Montpellier Chapter in Cheltenham; and Kinnaird Estate, Dunkeld, Perthshire.

 

The interiors of Machrie have been designed by Peter Young Design, with the majority of furniture and furnishings sourced and manufactured locally, giving a soft Scottish feel with hints of classic Scandinavian design. A soft tonal palette is complemented by vibrant injections of pattern and colour, ensuring a warm and relaxing atmosphere with battened ceilings and antler pendants completing the look.

 

A restaurant and bar will be located on the first floor of the hotel, offering panoramic views of the ocean and golf course. The Machrie, which will also have a small spa, sits on seven miles of pristine beach, which guests can access via a private footpath.

 

The southernmost island in the Inner Hebrides, Islay is home to some of the world's finest whisky distilleries, birdlife, seafood, dramatic coastal landscapes and the Machrie Golf Links, which is adjacent to the hotel.

 

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