New owners of Isle of Eriska start refurbishment programme
The 25-bedroom Isle of Eriska Hotel & Spa off the west coast of Scotland has completed a partial refurbishment following its sale in August 2016, after more than 40 years under the ownership of the Buchanan-Smith family.
Located on a 300-acre private island near Oban, Argyll, the hotel was acquired by Hong-Kong based family company, Creation Gem.
The isle of Eriska was bought by Robin and Sheena Buchanan-Smith in 1973 and was opened a year later to the public, initially as partial religious retreat.
However, it soon became a fully-fledged hotel and in recent years was operated by Robin's son, Beppo and his wife Seona.
The new owner Wayne Rong said: "My family and I are offering a bridge of friendship from beautiful Shanghai to stunning Scotland. We are honoured to continue as the custodians of such an iconic property and aim to protect and nurture the island, securing a bright future for Eriska for years to come."
A member of Relais & Chateaux, the hotel will reopen on Thursday after a three week closure for the refurbishment of seven bedrooms and creation of a new piano lounge and drawing room.
Further investment in the business will include the construction of four new self-catering, one-bedroom Hilltop Reserve lodges, to add to the two existing two lodges, alongside further renovations to the main house.
Former senior AA hotel and restaurant inspector Gordon Cartwright, joined the hotel in April 2016 as general manager and works alongside head chef Paul Leonard, who heads the Michelin-starred restaurant. Cartwright has previously worked as general manager and chef director of Gilpin Hotel & Lake House in Windermere, Cumbria.
Cartwright said that the "the quality and intimate guest experience" of the Isle of Eriska would be "wholly preserved" moving forward.
"A change of ownership doesn't mean a change in ethos and guests new and old can still expect the roaring fires, luxury, comfort and excellent service from the committed island team, along with a memorable dining experience.
"As general manager, I'm committed to preserving the Buchanan-Smith family legacy that has made Eriska an icon of hospitality for over four decades."
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