TEN YEARS AGO Friday May 18, 2012

‘We are never leaving,’says hotel developer

‘We are never leaving’: this was the message from the man behind the renovation of a prominent town centre hotel.

David Southworth, president and CEO of Southworth Development LLC, which bought over the Royal Hotel in Campbeltown and the Ugadale in Machrihanish in 2008, reassured the Courier that they are here to stay.

Mr Southworth and his business partner Joseph Deitch unveiled the £4.95 million renovated Royal Hotel and explained they will now focus on improving what they have in Kintyre over the next six months.

Phase one has now been completed, which involves the creation of the village at Machrihanish Dunes, the new golf course and the restoration of the Ugadale and Royal hotels.

The company has invested £19.3 million in all the projects, as well as further grant funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Campbeltown Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme, European Regional Development Fund, Historic Scotland and the Scottish Government.

The Royal Hotel boasts 23 rooms, the Black Sheep Pub and the elegant Harbourview Grille, and its opening was celebrated with a special dinner and reception, plus a fireworks display