The Cairndale Hotel and Spa in Dumfries has revealed 12 newly designed De Luxe bedrooms in its Burdock Wing as part of a £250,000 upgrade. This latest phase of investment strengthens the hotel’s position as one of Scotland’s top independent hotel and builds on its ongoing programme of improvements.
The new rooms each have their own individual style. The designs make strong use of pattern and colour, as seen in the floral and geometric wallpapers, bold fabrics and bespoke headboards.
The rooms also feature eclectic artwork, warm lighting and high quality finishes that give each space a distinctive character. Practical touches include premium amenities, Nespresso coffee machines and Roberts DAB radios.
A standout addition is the new Signature Room. It includes a modern four poster bed and an eye catching in room copper bath. The room combines contemporary design with a sense of indulgence and is expected to become one of the most popular choices for guests looking for something special.
Director Matthew Wallace Junior said he is proud of the results. He commented, “Opening of these bedrooms further elevates The Cairndale’s position as the leading hotel in South West Scotland. No expense has been spared to make them truly special. Each is unique and has been a labour of love for the designers and craftsmen who have created them.”
The improvements extend beyond the accommodation. The hotel recently opened The Oak, its new casual dining restaurant and bar which is using as much locally souced products as possible much of which is supplied by Thomsons.
They said, “Exciting times lie ahead for The Cairndale Hotel. Here at Thomsons we look forward to continue working closely with the team in order to supply them with the very best quality produce. We would like to wish them every success for the future.“
Design practice 3design brought a strong sense of heritage and character to the transformation of The Oak. Their vision centred on respecting the hotel’s past while creating a warm, timeless space suitable for modern dining.
Suzy Kingswood explained, “We created a scheme which retained the character of the history of the hotel, exposed stone work walls were retained and dressed with a treasure trove of existing historic signage from the hotel which we were able to use within the bar area to further ground the interiors in the traditions of the property.
“Looking at local art work of course a nod to Burns was incorporated. With lime plaster to create textured wall finishes, reclaimed timber flooring and so on. A feature stove was also added to further increase the ambiance of the restaurant.”
One of the most memorable moments during the refurbishment came from an unexpected discovery. During downtakings, the team uncovered a “mysterious hidden stairwell” which they chose to reveal and repurpose.
As they explained, “we exposed and were able to turn that into a wine cellar, leading down to the basement – a unique and intriguing addition to an already super bar.”
The layout of the bar itself was carefully planned to ensure cohesion and comfort: “The bar was created to both unite the restaurant with the bar area, but give a feel of a snug and luxurious dining area.”
Suppliers played an important role in shaping the final aesthetic. Lighting was sourced from Mullen Lighting, Elstead and Pooky, while furniture came from CCP Contract Furniture.
The reclaimed timber floor – sourced from a previous client project – added a sustainable, locally connected touch. 3design also collaborated with the branding team, noting that “a clever emblem” was incorporated into the space.
Reflecting on the completion of the project, 3design said, “We love the result for our client and are thrilled to be able to continue working with them on other areas within this beautiful hotel.”
The Cairndale has also invested heavily in its spa. The adults only facility, which opened in June 2024, cost £2 million and holds the highest rating from the UK Good Spa Guide. It continues to attract visitors from across the region.
The job was completed by contractors CPA Construction, Danny Earley, Contracts Manager at CPA Construction & Fit Out Solutions, commented, “Being appointed as the main contractor for the full refurbishment of the Cairndale Hotel & Spa was a privilege and a standout project for our team.
From the outset, we worked closely with Mathew Jnr and Mathew Snr, holding weekly coordination meetings to ensure every stage of the programme ran seamlessly and stayed true to their vision. This strong partnership was key to delivering this luxury facility, and one that everyone involved is extremely proud of.”
The latest upgrades show a clear commitment to raising standards across the entire hotel. With new rooms, new dining options and a highly rated spa, The Cairndale is continuing to evolve while keeping guest experience at the centre of every decision.
