The Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels has acquired Highland Safaris in Aberfeldy – one of the biggest attractions in the area with over 50,000 guests each year.
Opened in 1992 by husband and wife team, Donald and Julie Riddell, it now includes Land Rover safaris, boat trips on Loch Tay, its popular Red Deer Centre, a collection of walking and biking activities, and Perthshire’s only Gold, a Gem Panning Centre and a café and gift shop.
It will continue to operate as a stand-alone business within the Crieff Hydro Family portfolio.
Donald Riddell said, “The time is right for us to take a step back and create the opportunity for the business to continue to thrive with the investment and energy Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels will bring.
“There is so much synergy between Highland Safaris and the Leckie family’s business, including a shared love of the local area and its wonderful wildlife. We are delighted to see Highland Safaris become part of their family.”
Stephen Leckie, Chairman and CEO of Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels, said, “This is a fantastic milestone for us and a great example of positive investment in Scotland’s tourism and hospitality sector.
“Welcoming Highland Safaris to our family will help us to achieve our growth strategy and expand our offering to guests, particularly for visitors at our hotels in Crieff. Our team is excited to build on the amazing work of Donald and Julie to enhance the experience for the many thousands who visit Highland Safaris every year, and to continue their legacy of working closely with local landowners to enrich the economy and appreciation of local culture and history.
“It’s important to us that the businesses in our portfolio exist in their own right and retain their local identity. Highland Safaris has an enthusiastic, long-standing team in place that will continue to manage the day-to-day running of the company, with our support, to allow them to do just that.”
Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels comprises eight hotels located in Perthshire, Dundee, the Scottish Borders and the Highlands.