Hotelier’s apology over remarks

A top north-east hotelier has apologised after making what have been described as “derogatory homophobic remarks” at a charity dinner.

Stewart Spence, the owner of the five-star Marcliffe Hotel in Aberdeen, made the comments during a speech at the Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) event.

The Marcliffe hosted the gathering on Thursday evening.

Mr Spence said yesterday he felt “ashamed and embarrassed” about the comments and it is understood he has sent an apology to everyone who attended the dinner.

In a statement Mr Spence said: “I made some very ill-advised comments at the dinner and I am absolutely mortified.

“I would like to sincerely apologise for the offence caused. I don’t know what I was thinking.

“I was hoping to raise a few laughs around the 1970s theme and while the words I used may have, regrettably, been commonplace in that generation, they were still entirely unacceptable.

“The Marcliffe is an inclusive place both for staff and customers. We welcome everyone regardless of their sexual orientation.

“I really regret this and am truly sorry.”

An HIT Scotland spokesman said: “We strongly disagree with the homophobic views and comments expressed by one individual at last night’s Grampian fundraising dinner, they were a complete surprise and as shocking as they were inaccurate to the truth of the hospitality industry.

“Hospitality is a diverse and inclusive industry, it has consistently led the way on equality and diversity above and beyond any other sector and that is something we take great pride in.

“Despite these comments, the event went on to be another successful evening of fundraising for the charity and we want to thank our guests for their continued generosity that helped raise a considerable amount last night.”

“I made some very ill-advised comments and I am absolutely mortified”