Peeblesshire News | News | Locals to be big winners with hotel

Friday, 5th December, 2008

Published: Friday, 10th October, 2008 12:30

Locals to be big winners with hotel

By David O'Leary

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Developers of the luxury £50 million hotel at Rutherford Castle met with local community leaders at Barony Castle on Monday.

Manor Kingdom Estates and hotel operator, De Vere, called the meeting to allay any fears regarding the site and to reaffirm their stance that it would be local workers and sub-contractors who would benefit from the resulting 300 jobs.

Representatives from both Carlops and West Linton community council were also in attendance seeking answers on a whole range of issues arising from the proposed development.

Set in 18 acres, the hotel will comprise 150 bedrooms, a deluxe spa and leisure club, relaxing cafes to fine dining, outstanding wine cellar and whisky lounge, a grand ballroom and spacious conference rooms.

Speaking on behalf of De Vere was Kieran Whyte, manager of Barony Castle, who explained that a large number of his 43 staff hailed from the local area and that the hotel actively works in partnership with surrounding businesses.

He said: “A large proportion of our staff come from Innerleithen and Peebles and we actively encourage locals to use our facilities.

“We don’t seek to capture 100% of the market locally and we refer a lot of trade into Peebles and the surrounding villages.

“I was recently thanked by a local kilt supplier who has seen a sizeable increase in trade due to the number of weddings at Barony Castle. I’m sure that the local communities of Carlops and West Linton would too benefit in such from Rutherford Castle.”

Carlops community councillor, Marlyn Mackenzie, voiced concerns as regards the impact increased traffic would have on the village.

Planning Consultant for Manor Kingdom Estates, David Innes, answered this. He said: “The traffic impact assessment we have undertaken highlights no significant impact on the surrounding area.

“There will be no heightened peak flow of traffic to and from the hotel at any time. The existing junction is designed to accommodate 800 and at present uses only a tenth of this.

“In the case of any major event being held at the hotel such as a PGA championships then a road traffic management plan would be designed and consulted upon with both the council and the police.”

Margaret Harrison, Chair of West Linton Community Council enquired as to the level of employment brought to the area by the proposed development.

Mark Cummings, spokesperson for Manor Kingdom Estates said: “We will obviously be using a national contractor for the project but there will be contracts offered through them to local sub-contractors. In the current economic climate we are well placed to select the best major contractor and reward local employment.

“There will also be various other local business opportunities for service providers and suppliers. The development when completed should also see tens of thousands of new visitors to the area each year.

“I also wish to stress that this is a stand-alone application and that there is no proposed housing alongside it. The combination of hotel, leisure, conference and business facilities provide the right business model for the development. Rutherford Castle as it’s planned will be completely viable and sustainable.”

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