THE new boss of the Clovenfords Country Inn has revealed he tried to take over the premises two years ago.

“This really is a long-held ambition,” said Roy McIntosh, who recently re-opened the village hostelry last week. “I am 100 per cent committed to making a success of it.” Mr McIntosh, 47, has taken over the tenancy of the eight-bedroom hotel which closed unexpectedly at the beginning of March.

A native of Linlithgow who lives in Falkirk with his wife Theresa, Mr McIntosh will personally oversee the running of the hotel which is part of the Punch Taverns pub chain.

Mr McIntosh worked in the hotel and restaurant industry for many years before starting a successful letting agency which he sold recently.

“It was always my plan to get back into the hospitality sector when our two sons grew up and I narrowly missed out when the lease for the Clovenfords Country Inn came up two years ago.

“I have always considered this a fantastic opportunity to create a real family-oriented facility with strong links to the community in this beautiful part of Scotland.

“My first task as the new tenant will be to re-establish the hotel’s reputation for food and quality of service.” His plans include providing loyalty cards for residents of the village and organising a night of entertainment to raise funds to help establish “resilient community” status for Clovenfords.

A previously arranged Neil Diamond tribute night will take place in the hotel’s conservatory in July.

As an introductory food offer Mr McIntosh is providing two course meals for £9.50 and three courses for £12.50, available daily from 12 till 2pm and from 5 till 9pm.

“I’m extremely heartened that that we sold over 200 meals over our first weekend and I’m looking to build on that,” he told us.