Marcliffe hotel regains five-star rating after owner's homophobic comments

The Marcliffe hotel in Aberdeen has had its VisitScotland five-star status reinstated after it was delisted due to homophobic comments made by owner Stewart Spence.

Hotelier Spence used the word "p**f" in a comment about homosexuals at a Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) dinner held at his hotel last month.

Spence later apologised for his remarks and said he felt "extreme shame and embarrassment" over the language he used.

Chris McCoy, equality diversity manager at VisitScotland, said: "Following VisitScotland's request to confirm in writing that the Marcliffe Hotel does not operate any kind of discriminatory policies that would contravene the Equality Act 2010, the business has responded within the set time period to give us those assurances and a clear commitment to their equality policy.

"The policy covers all the key areas, including LGBTI customers and employees, and clearly sets out both the responsibility of the hotel management and the staff. On that basis, we are pleased to be able to remove the suspension and re-list the hotel on VisitScotland.com, including the five-star rating.

"We look forward to continuing the positive working relationship that the Marcliffe and VisitScotland have enjoyed for many years."

Scottish hotelier in hot water over homophobic language at HIT Grampian dinner >>

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