Castle owners deny reports of luxury hotel conversion
The owners of one of Scotland’s most famous castles have denied claims t hat i t could be turned into a highend hotel.
Dunnottar Castle has been suggested as a possible candidate for a new Scottish model of high- end holiday accommodation in historic settings, s i mi l a r t o t h e Pa r a d o r e s Nacionales in Spain, being proposed by the Snpand due to be discussed at the party conference.
T h e P a r a d o r e s Na c i o n - ales offer accommodation in buildings such as castles, monasteries and palaces and usually help drive visitors off the beaten tourist track.
It is understood that Scottish tourism leaders have met Spanish diplomats in Edinburgh to learn more about the state- run chain of 95 properties.
Dunnottar Castle, about two miles south of Stonehaven on
the Aberdeenshire coast, is privately owned by the Pearson publishing and landowning family.
They have issued a statement which outlines the “majesty and history” of the ruined clifftop fortress, which attracts 140,000 visitors a year.
The statement said: "Contrar y to some recent media reports, there are no plans to convert the castle into a highend hotel in the style of Spain’s paradores.
"As I am sure you will agree, i t s s t a t us a s a S c he d ul e d Ancient Monument, not to mention the substantial conversion costs, might prove to be stumbling blocks.
"Whilst any proposals that a r e d e s i g n e d t o i n c r e a s e inward investment are to be applauded, the majesty and history of the existing mana g e d r u i n s a t Dun n o t t a r already draw large numbers to the north- east, with the castle welcoming more than 140,000 visitors last year.
"We remain fully committed to continuing the castle’s operation as a key visitor attraction, one that’s enjoyed by many local people as well as tourists from around the world.”
The Paradores plan is part of a £ 12 billion strategy to boost the rural economy in the wake of the Covid- 19 pandemic.
Most of what remains at Dunnottar, once home to the Earls Marischal, dates from the 15th and 16th centuries. In the 17th century its small garrison famously held out against Oliver Cromwell’s men f or eight months.