Caledonian Leisure, the business behind Caledonian Travel and UKBreakaways, has confirmed the acquisition of the 63-bedroom Dreadnought Hotel in Callander.
The purchase of the property, which will be rebranded as The Caledonian Thistle Hotel, was completed in partnership with the company’s investors. It adds to Caledonian’s growing portfolio under The Caledonian Hotel Collection, which already includes hotels in Torquay, Blackpool, Scarborough and Arrochar.
Graham Rogers, Managing Director at Caledonian Leisure, said, “After the success of The Caledonian Hotel Collection in Torquay, Blackpool, Scarborough and Arrochar, we’re delighted to welcome another hotel to our family. With sector-leading customer review scores and rising demand across our brands, this investment is a key step in strengthening our year-round offering in Scotland.”
An extensive refurbishment is now underway to upgrade the hotel’s bedrooms, refresh public spaces and improve entertainment facilities. The hotel’s bar will retain its original name, Macnab’s Bar, while the restaurant will be reintroduced as The Dreadnought Restaurant, in tribute to the building’s heritage.
David McDonald, Finance Director at Caledonian Leisure, said, “Callander is a wonderful base for customers looking to explore with so many outstanding and beautiful areas within easy reach of this delightful Scottish town. We’re proud to invest in the local area, and by welcoming customers all year round we’re pleased that we’ll be making a contribution to the area’s economy too.”
Mr McDonald added, “Right now, we’re actively recruiting local people to deliver exceptional hospitality as we prepare to reopen the hotel this summer after this extensive refurbishment project.”
The hotel is expected to reopen at the end of July and will operate all year round, aiming to appeal to both coach-inclusive and self-drive customers.
As part of its wider strategy, Caledonian Leisure recently invested £2.4 million in 10 new touring coaches, further enhancing its fleet as it continues to grow its leisure offering across the UK.