The future of Scotland's "oldest established" hotel is at risk after its parent company, Strathmore Hotels Ltd, plunged into administration. The company, which operates eight "unique" hotels across the UK and employs around 410 people, had administrators appointed on Tuesday, August 11.
Administrators appointed
James Alexander Dewar and Alistair McAlinden of Interpath Limited were appointed as joint administrators to the firm. The group had been under "sustained creditor pressure" for months, leading to a winding-up petition in July, according to the BBC.
A statement on the Strathmore Hotels website reads: "James Alexander Dewar and Alistair McAlinden of Interpath Limited were appointed as Joint Administrators of Strathmore Hotels Limited on 11 August 2026."
The Salutation Hotel
One of the firm's venues is the historic Salutation Hotel in Perth. Hailed as an "unofficial landmark" of the city, it was established as a private house in the early 1600s before becoming a coaching inn from 1699 to 1745. Bonnie Prince Charlie is said to have stayed in room 20, now called "The Stuart Room," during his march to invade England.
The hotel, which has 84 rooms and is known for its white Georgian-style exterior, was crowned 'The Best Hotel in Scotland' at the Scottish Hospitality Awards in 2026.
Other properties and next steps
Strathmore Hotels Ltd also operates the Nethybridge Hotel near Aviemore, the Royal Hotel in Oban, and the Alexandra Hotel and Ben Nevis Hotel & Leisure Club in Fort William. Hotels outside Scotland are in the Lake District, Harrogate, and Strathpefer.
All eight hotels are set to continue trading as normal, with all staff retained while administrators review options. Alistair McAlinden said: "The hospitality sector has faced a number of significant challenges in recent years, including rising operating costs, inflationary pressures, workforce shortages and changing consumer spending patterns."
He added: "Unfortunately, Strathmore Hotels has not been immune to these headwinds and has also experienced sustained financial difficulties, resulting in the appointment of the joint administrators."
Documents following the appointment will be available on the Companies House website within 10 days from August 13. The firm also has "overdue" accounts from December 31, 2024.
