New Face at Huntly Arms Gets Off to Great Start

Jill McAlpine, the newly appointed general manager of the Huntly Arms on Charlestown Road in Aboyne has in a matter of months made such an impression that the hotel has seen reservation rates rise in the first half of the year by 28% compared to the same period last year.

Jill, who took over the Oxford Hotel and Inns owned business in February, had previously worked at two other hotels within the group, the Royal Hotel in Thurso and the Norseman Hotel in Wick and at only 25 is seen as one of the rising stars within the group.

Commenting on the move to the Huntly Arms, Jill said, “After five years in my previous role I was looking for a new challenge and I couldn’t have asked for anything better. It’s a great honour to be running what is probably the oldest coaching inn in Scotland which is steeped in history and in such a wonderful location.”

“The hotel has seen a great deal of change over the last year. It has benefited from a substantial refurbishment of the bedrooms and public areas and we’ve enhanced the restaurant offer significantly with improved menus, as well as upgrading our meetings and conference facilities; however the main focus has been to improve customer service.”

Jill’s passion for customer service was boosted following her winning of a scholarship from the Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland and attending the Disney Institute in Florida to learn about the Disney Customer Service philosophy.

Jill continued, “The Americans have always been pioneers in terms of customer service and Disney certainly lead the field. I learnt a great deal during my time in Florida and have made it a priority to ensure that I instil the value of customer service across my team.

“The Huntly Arms has been at the heart of this community for hundreds of years and we’ve made great efforts to welcome back those who have probably not visited us for sometime to see how we’ve changed. Many community groups are now using our facilities as a meeting place and it’s paramount that residents in the village and surrounding area see us as a meeting place for everyone.”

Skeabost Hotel Invests In Its Future

The Skeabost Country House Hotel, situated on the edge of the idyllic Loch Snizort has implemented an extensive investment programme as part of its continuing commitment to offer the ultimate luxurious hotel experience.

The property, which is part of Oxford Hotels and Inns Oxford Collection, has just completed £150,000 worth of improvements. The bedrooms have all been restyled and individually designed to superior standards, with guests able to enjoy lavish four poster beds, sumptuous furnishings and luxurious en-suite bathrooms.

The hotel’s public bar has also reopened and as the hub of the community it welcomes back all its regular customers. As a great place to unwind and relax, it offers a pool table, juke box, live music nights and now a weekly quiz night has been added to its line up of entertainment. Other investments include general maintenance to the hotel with further improvements throughout the building.

Janet Staddart, general manager of Skeabost Hotel, said: “The improvements to the hotel are part of a long term investment aimed to take Skeabost to the next level of hotel luxury. The hotel is situated in the beautiful surroundings of Loch Snizort and is a fantastic holiday destination. Not only do our guests have the opportunity to enjoy the Scottish countryside we also offer a nine hole golf course and our own private salmon and trout farm, perfect for those who enjoy a spot of fishing.”

Mark Edwards, Managing Director of Oxford Hotels and Inns adds: “It’s our aim to create a select range of luxury properties within our Scottish portfolio of hotels known as the Oxford Collection, each emphasising its own individual characteristics and bespoke charm. Skeabost Country House Hotel is one example of many that we’re currently channelling our energy into developing.”