A NEW Chapter in Airds History of Fine Hospitality
Airds Hotel & Restaurant in Port Appin, Argyll, on the west coast of Scotland, has announced a significant investment programme to the tune of £400,000.
The refurbishment will be undertaken over the next two winters. The hotel and restaurant will remain open throughout, ensuring minimal disruption to the comfort of guests.
Airds’ owners of 19 years retired in December 2021, and the 11-bedroom luxury property was acquired by Scottish businessman Benjamin Andrews. A joint asset management venture was created and welcomed Airds into The Fusion Group of Companies portfolio. Fusion’s dedicated accommodation services division has taken over the reservations operation and specialist hotel management company, EHM, has been awarded a three-year contract to operate the hotel.
Fusion’s group managing director Alex Mckie praised Airds for its impressive track record in consistent delivery of an exceptional guest experience, and the unrivalled setting on the west coast. He said: ‘Airds Hotel & Restaurant is a significant piece of business for our portfolio’, and emphasised Fusion’s commitment to building on the quality of the cuisine and increasing bookings through a more effective management, reservation and marketing strategy.
Working with head chef Calum Innes, a champion of fine local produce, the aim is to work towards another rosette and a Michelin star.
Airds Hotel & Restaurant
Located in pretty Port Appin on the west coast of Scotland, Airds is an enchanting former ferry inn with grand views across Loch Linnhe to the Morvern Mountains. Attention to detail, elegant décor and total comfort are assured. The restaurant, where ‘Fresh, Local, Simple’ is the mantra, ranks among the best in the UK and has been featured in the Good Food Guide for more than 45 consecutive years and held 3 AA Rosettes for more than 30. Airds’ excellence is endorsed by membership of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux, Pride of Britain, and Luxury Scotland portfolios.
The Fusion Group of Companies
Established in 2006, and based in the Scottish Central Belt, The Fusion Group of Companies is a dynamic mix of separate businesses predominantly servicing the Hospitality and Meetings & Events sectors. These include Fusion Meetings & Events, together with the Destination Management Companies, Clearly London and Clearly Scotland, plus numerous successful hotels, self-catering establishments & holiday parks, restaurants & venues, together with serviced apartments & rooms, all operating as their own standalone brands. Drysdale & Company, a commercial property agency specialising in the hospitality sector, is part of the portfolio, as is the recently launched residential estate agency, Rio Residential.