Bearsden man Calum's Loch Melfort is hotel winner
A FORMER Bearsden man and his wife who risked their all to build a dream hotel have received a prestigious award.
Calum and Rachel Ross are owners of the Loch Melfort hotel in Argyll and collected the 2010 National HRS Hotel Excellence award at a gala luncheon in London.
The couple received one of the hotel industry's most important awards of the year — for Excellent Social Responsibility — and that was just reward for the outstanding contribution they have made in the community since taking over the hotel in September, 2008.
Calum, a former pupil of Bearsden Academy, is back in a part of the country that he fondly remembers while holidaying there as a boy.
His career in the catering industry took him to Sao Paulo, Brazil, for some time but he is now very much at home along with Rachel and three-year-old son Hugh in their lovely family hotel which offers some stunning views on the west coast of Scotland.
Calum (45) often welcomes many visitors from this area and that's hardly surprising as his hotel offers in abundance what he reckons they are looking for.
He said: "Our hotel appeals to people who like good food, good wine and good drink, and want to see spectacular scenery — that's why people come here."
Residents can expect to sample some gourmet treats at Loch Melfort and it's the best food you will find in the area, including shellfish landed in Arduaine and meat from Barbreck Farm in Ardfern.
The restaurant has AA 2 Rosette status and you're guaranteed top-class preparation from award-winning chef Colin MacDonald and his team.
Rachel (35) said: "We purchase all our food locally and are also delighted that locals now come to use our restaurant regularly."
That's changed days since the couple purchased what was described as a run-down hotel but Rachel, also with a catering background gained while serving in the Army, added: "We thought it had loads of potential and we are about 90 per cent down the road on what we are looking to achieve."
Support
There was an early blow for the new owners when the National Trust said it was going to close Arduaine Gardens which sit next to the hotel.
But Rachel and Calum, a former member and officer of Boys' Brigade 1st Company in Bearsden, organised a support group in the community and with over 5,000 signatures convinced the National Trust that the gardens should remain open.
It was highlighted at the awards ceremony that Calum and Rachel had risked all to buy a run-down Scottish hotel with a terrible reputation just after the credit crunch hit.
After receiving the excellence award, Calum said: "Rachel and I are thrilled to win this award, as it recognises the efforts the whole team at Loch Melfort go to, not just to "go green" and protect the local countryside and wildlife, but also to be at the heart of our community."
All 25 rooms at the hotel have stunning sea views over Asknish Bay towards Jura, Shuna and Scarba — with Highland cattle, ducks and hens on the grounds.
Loch Melfort is a superb hotel in an idyllic setting and with its wonderful food and excellent, friendly staff is well worth the drive of around two and a half hours from Milngavie or Bearsden for a stay.
Oban is just over 15 miles away but you won't want to travel far from Loch Melfort in Arduaine if it's a relaxing fews days in tranquil surroundings you're after. You can even spend some time without your mobile as there is no signal there.
There are also some excellent walking routes, again letting you take in the spectacular scenery as you amble along at your own pace.
You will be sure of a friendly welcome from Calum and Rachel who are regular advertisers in the Herald and often publish special offers. For details telephone 01852 200233.
Actor Robson Green travelled a bit further to stay at the hotel last year while filming for his TV series Wild Swimming Adventure.
He was there to visit another nearby attraction, the Corryvreckan whirlpool, the third largest in the world.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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