The husband and wife duo behind one of Angus’s leading hotels are commemorating the iconic venue’s 120th anniversary with a public appeal for memories from days gone by.
The Glenesk Hotel & Conference Centre in Edzell – which has underwent a major £1million renovation project – recently welcomed around 40 people, including members of the Auchenblae Heritage Society, for an evening of informal networking, a tour of the building and to sample the restaurant’s locally-sourced produce.
Those invited included Pat Mennie, of Auchenblae, who formerly lived at the hotel and worked in its kitchens during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Another Auchenblae resident, Sheena Auld, has similarly fond memories of the venue as it hosted her daughter Shonagh’s wedding reception to husband Steven – who served at the former US Naval Base at RAF Edzell.
Business owners Dylan and Alena Wren, who bought the Glenesk Hotel in 2012 and have overseen the investment programme, are now calling on others with links to the local community to share their personal memories of the landmark setting.
Dylan Wren, co-proprietor at the Glenesk Hotel & Conference Centre, said: “Both Alena and I are extremely proud of the hotel’s distinguished history and we’re committed to continuing that sense of tradition with our long-term plans to further develop the facilities. Therefore, it was important to give something back to members of the local community. We were thrilled with the response we received on the night and look forward to welcoming our guests again in the near future.
“As part of our wider 120th anniversary celebrations, we’re eager to hear from all those who have been valued customers of the hotel throughout its lifetime and hope to document these memories and experiences for future patrons and generations.”
Bill Pirie, chair of the Auchenblae Heritage Society, said: “The members were extremely grateful to have been invited and it presented a wonderful opportunity to see first-hand the excellent work that has been achieved with the refurbishment. Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening and the staff in particular excelled themselves; they are a great credit to both Dylan and Alena.”
This milestone year has already seen the completion of a major three-year refurbishment programme which has created 12 new permanent jobs, plus additional seasonal posts, increased the number of bedrooms to 38 and upgraded the venue’s public areas. Staff numbers are expected to rise further pending additional upgrades to the facilities which are in the pipeline.
The £1million investment has also led to the Glenesk Hotel’s elevation to four-star status, as awarded by Scotland’s national tourism organisation, Visit Scotland, and the securing of a Taste Our Best accreditation as part of the organisation’s scheme to recognise and celebrate businesses which provide locally-sourced, quality food and drink.
Built in 1896, the popular hotel prides itself on retaining the building’s original, classic charm and successfully marrying it with modern additions such as conference and leisure facilities. It also features a well-stocked bar boasting over 400 malts, 200 gins, 100 rums, 70 vodkas and a large selection of bottled ales.
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