Brig o’ Doon House Hotel in Alloway, Ayrshire, has completed a comprehensive £2.5 million refurbishment that brings a thoughtful balance of heritage and modern guest expectations to one of Scotland’s best-known hospitality landmarks. The renovation introduces new Executive Bedrooms and eight Garden & River Suites, all now available for bookings.
The property, operated independently by The RAD Hotel Group, has long been recognised as a sought-after wedding and events destination. Nestled beside the River Doon and adjacent to the historic Auld Brig bridge—immortalised in Robert Burns’ *Tam O’Shanter*—Brig o’ Doon’s setting is well-established.
What the refurbishment aims to do is bring the interiors, facilities, and guest experience into alignment with modern standards while preserving the character and story that draw visitors in the first place.
The project was delivered in collaboration with interior specialists Lucid Interiors and led by owners Robert and Vivien Kyle. The focus was on ensuring that the building’s historic features and architectural proportions both overnight guests and event visitors more effectively.
Originally built in 1829 as a traveller’s inn with seven apartments, stables and a coach house, the property now houses 14 bedrooms following the refurbishment. Among them, the eight new River Suites offer private balconies with direct views over the River Doon and surrounding landscaped gardens.
These additions are designed not only for privacy and comfort but also to provide added flexibility for wedding parties, romantic getaways and short leisure breaks. The interiors draw inspiration from the property’s natural surroundings, with a muted, earthy palette that runs throughout both guest rooms and communal areas.
High-quality finishes and tactile materials have been used consistently—rich timber floors, bespoke soft furnishings, and panelled walls help to maintain a connection to the building’s traditional character while delivering a more refined and comfortable guest experience.
Executive Bedrooms have been developed to offer additional space and functionality. Each room includes a king-size bed, integrated seating area and large windows designed to capture natural light and views of the gardens.
En-suite bathrooms have been completely updated, with modern fittings and a design that prioritises both practicality and ease of use. Features such as handcrafted armchairs and simple, well-placed lighting fixtures offer a design that’s welcoming without being overworked.
The new Garden & River Suites extend that approach with more generous layouts and direct access to the outdoors. Featuring deeper tones and layered textures, these suites offer private balconies, brass accents, and plush furnishings that create a calm atmosphere, particularly suited to couples or guests seeking a quieter experience during peak event periods.
While interiors are stylish, the emphasis is on comfort and longevity rather than trends. The curtains have been supplied by Curtainwise. A spokesperson said, “Working with the 
RAD Hotel Group is an absolute pleasure. Their vision and attention to detail in selecting exquisite interiors truly set them apart. Every project reflects their commitment to quality and elegance. We are proud to be a trusted supplier and partner in bringing their stunning hotels to life.”
Vivien Kyle, co-owner of The RAD Hotel Group, said, “Brig o’ Doon has long been a dream destination for couples and guests seeking fairytale weddings and unforgettable events.
“This transformation marks an exciting new chapter for the hotel, enhancing its timeless charm while ensuring the highest level of comfort and luxury.
“Whether celebrating a wedding or enjoying a peaceful escape, our guests can now immerse themselves in the beauty of Brig o’ Doon like never before.”
In addition to guest room enhancements, the refurbishment includes the extension of the hotel’s main function suite and the addition of a new wraparound outdoor terrace.
These changes were designed to increase the venue’s capacity for weddings and events, particularly during the warmer months when outdoor ceremony options and al fresco dining become highly sought after. This latest phase of development follows the 2023 opening of the Garden Lounge Bar and a dedicated event space.
The Lounge Bar has been positioned to create a stronger link between indoor and outdoor areas, with garden-facing seating and a flexible layout for both daytime and evening service. The inclusion of handcrafted furnishings, soft lighting, and a direct view of the Auld Brig contributes to the sense of place the hotel is known for. For the hotel’s owners and design team, the goal was clear: improve the operational potential of Brig o’ Doon without compromising what makes it unique.
For fellow hoteliers, it serves as a case study in managing a heritage refurbishment that supports both the commercial requirements of a high-turnover wedding venue and the expectations of a more discerning leisure guest.