Ahead of its relaunch, the Balmoral Arms (formerly the Deeside Inn) has welcomed a new general manager to take the helm.
Seasoned hotelier Joanna Whysall joins from her most recent role as general manager at the Scottish hotel group’s Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa, to take the reins at its sister property in Ballater in the heart of Royal Deeside, which is currently undergoing a £2.2million refurbishment.
Formerly known as the Deeside Inn, the property will re-launch in the coming months as the Balmoral Arms, with Joanna heading up the team striving for five-star status off the back of the seven-figure transformation.
Joanna dedicated six years to the Crerar Hotels property in Ballater from 2012 to 2018 and is excited to move back to the area to oversee the final stages of the refurbishment and rebranding – including a recruitment drive to build the team that will re-launch the new proposition. For the last two years Joanna has focused on developing Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa, leading the team to record results.
A total of 29 roles will be created within the local area including chefs, housekeeping, and food and beverage team members – with opportunities to suit experienced hoteliers as well as those looking to embark on a career in the industry.
Joanna Whysall, General Manager of the Balmoral Arms, said: “It’s an absolute privilege to be leading the launch of Balmoral Arms at such an exciting and crucial time.
“Having been part of the Crerar Hotels family for a number of years, I’m well aware of the high standards of authentic Scottish hospitality that our guests are accustomed to and I’m looking forward to recruiting an outstanding team to re-open what will undoubtedly be a five-star proposition in the heart of Royal Deeside – and at the most fitting time, during a milestone Jubilee year.”
Chris Wayne-Wills, CEO of Crerar Hotels, said: “We’re delighted to name Joanna as the new General Manager of the soon-to-launch Balmoral Arms. We’re investing heavily in creating a retreat fit for royalty and Joanna is an absolute expert when it comes to ensuring the level of service that goes along with such a proposition.
“I have every confidence that Joanna will create an outstanding team that will not only thrive, but also achieve real success during the final stages of the refurbishment, and beyond.”