Former oil chief investing in luxury lodges
A former oil and gas executive has launched a new luxury tourism business in Aberdeenshire after his family unveiled plans to invest more than £1 million in the project.
Bob Mcalpine, who was chief operating officer at oilfield services firm Hydrasun for more than 12 years before leaving at the end of 2015, expects his Dalriada Luxury Lodges project in Stonehaven to be completed in October.
The development comprises eight self-catering lodges set above Stonehaven Golf Club with views across the bay to Dunnottar Castle.
Mcalpine said: “We think there is demand for very high quality, self-catering accommodation in the North-east of Scotland and the family will invest well over £1m to bring this development to life.
“Four full-time jobs will be created in our company this year and more to follow next year. We will support local suppliers wherever possible and expect to bring visitors and tourists to the area who otherwise may have gone to alternative regions.”
Alan Buchan Contractors, based near Banchory, is carrying out the work using kits supplied by Scotframe Timber Engineering of Inverurie.
Jo Robinson, regional director at Visitscotland, said: “Tourism is a key factor in ensuring communities thrive across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, fuelling job opportunities and business growth. It is leading economic transformation in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire through redevelopment and expansion of existing products, innovation and bringing new opportunities to the visitor economy.”