New owners pledge jobs boost for Oban hotel
The new owners of a prominent hotel in Oban have pledged the creation of 30 new jobs and a major refurbishment.
MGM Muthu Hotels has added The Regent Hotel on the Corran Esplanade as its third property in Oban after completing a purchase in September last year.
In a sign of its confidence in the town, the global hotel company also runs The Alexandra Hotel and The Queens Hotel, both of which have been substantially refurbished.
Depending on the easing of lockdown restrictions by the Scottish Government, there are hopes of reopening the 83-bed hotel to guests from the end of April.
A recruitment drive is now under way for a range of full and part-time positions from a general manager to front office, kitchen, service and housekeeping.
It would mean a total workforce across Oban of around 100 people.
General manager Deven
Sookur, who has oversight of its Oban hotels, said: ‘We are looking to recruit as many local people as possible. We have 207 rooms in Oban across the three hotels and it does bring a lot of business to Oban.
‘When guests are here they are spending in the town and using other businesses, so it is a win-win. We want to contribute to Oban and we have a responsibility to Oban to ensure that we grow together.’
Mr Sookur believes that when the pandemic is over, Oban will once again be in demand as a destination due to its scenic location, and attractions from the Oban Distillery, the Isle of Mull and neighbouring islands.
When lockdown was lifted last summer, there was a surge in visitors and business, he said. With domestic visitors restricted on where they could holiday – Oban proved a ‘very popular’ place for a break, he added.
Since lockdown, The Alexandra Hotel has accommodated crucial key workers.
Originally from Mauritius but in the area for two-anda-half years, Mr Sookur has been involved in the hotel industry since 1993. He has vast experience of running hotels in London, Australia, Florida and on the Indian Ocean island where he grew up.
Mr Sookur added: ‘We encourage locals to come and use the facilities. We welcome the public of Oban and non-residents, so they can come and enjoy an afternoon tea, a meal in the restaurant, the swimming pool, or the bar for a drink.’
Architects are working on the interiors of The Regent and redecoration improvements will also be made to the external facade, he said.
These are restricted due to its ‘category B status’ as a listed property which comprises two buildings dating from 1896 and 1936.
Mr Sookur said due to its Art Deco design, many rooms command a genuine sea view.