McMillan hotel group for sale in south-west Scotland
The McMillan family has brought their portfolio of three hotels in south-west Scotland to the market on an "offers invited" basis.
The family said they are determined to "hand over the reins to the right people" and are in "no rush to sell".
The Stranraer-based company, which has been family-run for three generations, was founded in 1962. The McMillan portfolio includes North West Castle in Stranraer, Cally Palace Hotel & Golf Course (pictured) in Gatehouse of Fleet and Fernhill hotel in Portpatrick, all in Dumfries and Galloway.
Most of the 13 McMillan grandchildren have worked in the hotels over the years, but it has "become clear that the next generation have all chosen to follow different career paths".
Staff have been informed that the process has begun and the group said the aim was to pass on the business "to the best possible future custodians".
Douglas McMillan, managing director of McMillan Hotels, said: "Nobody was expecting the world to take the turns it has over the last couple of years, but having come through a global pandemic and emerged stronger and more resilient than ever, the family believes that now is the right time to set the wheels in motion to sell the business.
"The hotels were trading well before Covid, and have been trading exceptionally well since reopening. The coming years should also be strong as more people choose to staycation in this beautiful rural region, with its clear open roads, stunning countryside and sandy beaches. In the meantime, it will be business as usual. The McMillan family will continue to work hard for the future of their hotels and look forward to welcoming many more visitors to Bonnie Galloway.
"Our family has welcomed our guests for over 60 years and we are determined to hand over the reins to the right people, ideally who will have demonstrable plans to nurture and invest in the business in the coming years. The company is in good shape and we are in no rush to sell."
Alistair Letham, agent at Graham + Sibbald, which has been appointed for the sale, said: "Graham + Sibbald are delighted to have been appointed by the McMillan family to seek a new owner/operator for their group of stunning hotels and will be marketing the portfolio on an ‘offers invited' basis with viewings highly recommended to understand the full offering of each hotel."
