The Atholl Hotel on Kings Gate in Aberdeen, owned by business partners Richard Nicoll and Gordon Sinclair, has been brought to the market for the first time in 35 years as Gordon Sinclair aims to retire. The hotel’s price tag is expected to be in the region of £3.5million.
Gordon has been a hands-on partner at the hotel since 1996, however, his links to the hotel go further back.
He began as a hospitality trainee at The Atholl Hotel from 1974 to 1978 under the guidance of Stewart and Sheila Spence. Despite brief spells working in other local hostelries such as Charlies, The Palm Court and The Craighar as operations director alongside owner Ricky Simpson, The Atholl has been a part of Gordon’s professional life for more years than not.
Gordon says, “The Atholl is much-loved by locals and visitors alike. It’s been the highly enjoyable backdrop to the majority of my working life. It will be a wrench to leave, but the time is right for me to retire and spend more time with family and friends.
“I’ve been fortunate to work with an incredible team of dedicated hospitality professionals, many of whom have worked here in excess of 30 years. We’ve spent good times and more recently during the pandemic, some very challenging times together and throughout the consistent guest feedback has been heavily weighted towards comments about how special the staff are.”
Partner Richard Nicoll says, “One of the unexpected consequences of the pandemic is that, as the hospital works through the back log of cancelled appointments and operations, there’s more call for accommodation close the ARI complex. We’ve seen a significant rise in occupancy from this source.
“Gordon and I are confident that new owners will be taking on a thriving business which will continue to benefit from the lively mix of local diners, leisure and business guests and that The Atholl Hotel will remain the focus of family gatherings for Aberdonians.”
Richard plans to focus on his other business ventures; The Dutch Mill Hotel in Aberdeen’s Queen’s Road and The Broadstraik Inn in Elrick, which he acquired earlier this year. The Broadstraik is currently being refurbished and will reopen in autumn.
The Aberdeen institution, currently number two on Trip Adviser for hotels in the city,has 34 ensuite rooms along with two function rooms, a restaurant, bar and lounge area. The Atholl Hotel is being marketed by Bruce and Co.