The five-star Marcliffe Hotel and Spa has been bought by one of the North-east's most prominent businessmen.
Sir Jim Milne, founder of Aberdeen-based engineering group Balmoral, will take control of the luxury premises from the end of the month, with Edinburgh-based Effective Hospitality Management (EHM) running it on their behalf.
The original Marcliffe Hotel was acquired by Stewart Spence in 1979, relocating to its current home in 1993 where he continued to operate it. Son James Spence took over around four years ago, but the deal with Balmoral will see the Spence family sever ties with the Aberdeen institution.
No other changes are planned to staffing levels.
Outgoing managing director James said: “We are confident Balmoral will honour the Marcliffe’s heritage, and care for it with the same passion and commitment that has been at the heart of our family, so the hotel will thrive for decades more."
Read the full story in today's Press & Journal.