Exclusive Rothes Glen ready to welcome world’s whisky connoisseurs after major revamp
AN EXCLUSIVE-USE Moray mansion will soon open its doors to the public following the completion of a major refurbishment.
Rothes Glen, set in 10 acres of land between Elgin and Rothes, has been restored to its former glory as a private, luxurious home for whisky connoisseurs.
Owner Rothes Glen Limited (RGL) now expects to create up to 10 permanent jobs.
Designed by Inverness-based architect Alexander Ross, Rothes Glen was built in 1893 by Charles Chree Doig, the architect behind the invention of the distinctive pagoda distillery roofs.
The 15-bedroom Scottish Baronial mansion was a private home up until it was purchased by RGL in 2019. It operated as a hotel between 1948-98.
Over the last 18 months, RGL has undertaken a significant refurbishment project, re-wiring, re-plumbing and re-decorating throughout, as well as restoring doors, windows and fireplaces.
Original furnishings have been sourced for the mansion, which will open with 10 suites available for exclusive group hire.
Damian Riley-Smith, Rothes Glen chief executive, said: "With 44 distilleries within 30 minutes and 59 within a one-hour drive, we are ideally located to welcome a global audience who look to experience the finest facilities, food and outdoor experiences that Speyside has to offer.
"We have designed the home with everything a whisky enthusiast could possibly look for, including a tasting room, a whisky vault, whisky cabinets, a whisky library and most importantly, a great range of whisky. Guests will have the opportunity to have a fully-serviced stay, with a personal chef and tour guide included in costs.
"Although it has been a challenging 18 months to get up and running, we are incredibly grateful for the support from Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) which has enabled us to complete the final chapter of the Rothes Glen restoration.
"We are very proud of the finished result and look forward to welcoming guests."
RGL employed local tradesmen across Moray to carry out the refurbishment.
Leigh Cathcart, senior relationship manager at RBS, which provided a £550,000 funding package, said: "With his enthusiasm and experience across the Scotch whisky industry, Damian has created a world-class destination that I’m confident will go on to enjoy great success.
"RBS has been delighted to support RGL on this journey, and we wish the team good luck now that the rest of the world can now enjoy the treasures inside Rothes Glen."
