Wedding venue steps in to help after hotels disaster heartbreak
A NEWLY-opened wedding venue has stepped in to help couples on the brink of losing their big day after a string of hotels went into administration.
Roebank Hotel has opened its doors to brides-to-be following the sudden closure of Burnhouse Manor Hotel in Beith.
We previously told how several Glasgow couples have been forced to cancel their weddings after Halo Hotels Ltd and related venues, including the Crowwood House Hotel, went under.
Despite the Crowwood House Hotel, on Cumbernauld Road, still operating, customers have been told by administrators that their money has been lost.
James Smith, owner of the Roebank Hotel, has already managed to accommodate one couple who were jilted by their venue just months before their big day.
The businessman said: “We have been inundated with different couples who have lost their whole wedding and so far we’ve managed to get one couple booked in with a discounted rate.
“I approached the Burnhouse Manor to offer to help their customers who were upset with the situation but they refused me entry.
“The way they’ve acted has been shocking – taking thousands of pounds off people knowing this was going to happen and putting it straight into company accounts.
“It’s not the way businesses should be run.”
An issue with the bank accounts held by bosses at the venues means that those who have booked in advance are unlikely to have their money refunded, as well as those who have paid in cash.
Several concerned couples have been forced to contact administrators directly for information on where their money has gone due to employees at the hotel refusing to comment.
Paul Robertson, 32, from Cumbernauld, has cancelled his wedding day despite being told to continue paying for the venue by hotel staff.
He said: “I spoke to those in
news@ eveningtimes. co.uk charge of the administration and was told I’ve lost all money paid to the hotel as it went into their main account instead of a separate (holding) account.
“If a new owner is found, it’s up to them if they want to honour the wedding as they will be losing money because the wedding funds were paid to the old company.”
FRP Advisory LLP, joint administrators of Beezer Properties were approached for comment.