WINNER:
Steven McLeod
Aurora Hotel Collection
The judges said of the winner, “This person is focussed and motivational. He has grit and determination and the difficulties of the past few years have only made him stronger. He has grown his business over the past twelve months with two new hotels opening and one due to open next Spring. His group now own seven hotels – one for every year that he has been in business and he is still on the acquisition trail. His aim is to have 20 hotels in 20 years! He has certainly got the drive to succeed.” Finalists:
Graham Blaikie, The Mercat Bar, Edinburgh
Lee Murray, Flood Inns, Leven
Nic Wood, Signature Pub Group, Edinburgh
The Aurora Hotel Collection boss Stephen McLeod (pictured) says the £10m boutique Hotel Colessio will open next summer on Spittal Street in Stirling, despite the problems that have stalled the project.
Said Stephen, “I think it would be fair to say that this has been one of the most challenging projects I have ever worked on for a number of reasons. From difficulties with some of the early contractors to unforeseen problems during
building and construction, all of which were outwith my control. Ideally I would have wanted to open Colessio before now, but I simply would not open the doors until I felt everything was perfect.”
Colessio comes hot on the heels of Solsgirth House by Dollar and the Cairn Lodge in Auchterarder both of which McLeod opened in the last 18 months, and the 40-room hotel will have what is fast becoming his trademark monochrome interior.
Said Stephen, “The building is a landmark in
Stirling and we’re being sympathetic in the restoration of its exterior, but when people walk through the door they’re going to see a daring reinvention of this grand Victorian property, with a dramatic palette of black and white providing a
striking backdrop for object d’art and designer touches. There will be nothing else like it in the city.
“My philosophy with Colessio, as with my other hotels, is to offer a high quality venue that offers 5-star quality and service without a prohibitive price tag. By offering luxury products at an affordable price it will appeal to diverse audiences,
encouraging regular footfall and return visits.
The hotel will have 40 truly indulgent rooms and suites as well as a bar and restaurant, The Grill Room, plus flexible function spaces for up to 250 guests and designer finishes throughout.”
McLeod’s portfolio also includes Glenbervie House Hotel, near Larbert, Airth Castle and the Kenmore Hotel Luxury Lodges on the banks of the River Tay.
