Luxury hotel emerges from ruined castle

The 14th century Crossbasket Castle in High Blantyre, near Glasgow, is to open in spring next year as a luxury nine-bedroom hotel, restaurant and event venue after being rescued from ruin.

Steve Timoney, chief executive of Lochlane Investments, and his wife Alison Reid-Timoney bought Crossbasket Castle in 2011, a year after it was listed on Scotland's Buildings At Risk Register. They have since invested over £9m restoring the building to its former glory and added a ballroom, overlooking the waterfalls on the River Calder, for up to 250 guests.

The hotel will be managed by Inverlochy Castle Management International (ICMI), which operates 12 other independent properties in Scotland, including Inverlochy Castle near Fort William, and Andy Murray's Cromlix House near Dunblane.

Albert Roux will oversee the development of the menu for the hotel's dining room.

Reid-Timoney, who designed the interiors, is furnishing the property with 14th, 15th and 16th century pieces. "My husband and I have a passion for restoring old buildings and first spotted Crossbasket Castle over a decade ago," she said.

"When we purchased it vandals had damaged the roof and interiors, it was leaking water and the walls were starting to deteriorate. Since then we have painstakingly restored it with a focus on using craftsmen to reinstate original features. Our aim is to create a sustainable business for our family that also supports the community we live in."

Norbert Lieder, managing director of ICMI, described Crossbasket Castle as an exciting project.

"I am confident that in partnership with the Timoneys we can create a very special hotel that is unique in the Glasgow area. While we aim to create a destination that attracts visitors from around the world we are also determined to ensure it remains a venue of choice for local people and becomes one of the premier wedding and event locations in Scotland."

An open day is to be held at Crossbasket Castle for local people, corporate clients and prospective brides and grooms on 21 December from 10am until 6pm.

ICMI adds Fasque House to its portfolio >>Roxburghe hotel to become ‘world-class' under management of ICMI and Albert Roux >Photos: Interiors of Andy Murray's Cromlix House revealed as hotel opens >>Looking for a job? See all the current hotel vacancies available with The Caterer Jobs >>

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