Redundancies loom as Oban hotel closes

A prominent hotel in Oban has closed to visitors for a second time this year with the loss of 12 jobs, writes Ellis Butcher.

The two-star Regent Hotel on the Corran Esplanade closed suddenly in January and then reopened briefly at the start of March under new management before having to shut its doors again before the month was out due to the coronavirus.

Hotel management company Bespoke Hotels, based in Warrington, had been running it on behalf of the owner.

Bespoke has confirmed that the striking Art Deco property has now been sold to another hotel firm, with the building being lined up for use as staff accommodation.

A statement from Bespoke said: ‘The hotel has been sold and the new owners have decided not to operate it as a hotel for the foreseeable future. Regrettably we have therefore been left with no option but to make the current employees roles redundant and will offer them every support as we move through this process.’

As for holidaymakers with breaks, Bespoke said there are not too many bookings in place for the property due to coronavirus having brought tourism to a standstill. Future dates will be cancelled with a move offered to an alternative hotel within the Bespoke portfolio, or refunded, the spokesperson said.

Before the pandemic struck The Regent was described as having ‘huge potential’ – commanding a view across the bay, with a restaurant, lounge and bar.