A historic Highland hotel, famed for hosting The Beatles during their early 1960s tours, has been purchased in a multi-million-pound deal promising to restore the 'magical' estate to its former glory.
A New Chapter for a Storied Estate
The Roman Camp Hotel in Callander, a 17th-century stately home, has been bought by English model and adult industry entrepreneur Gail Thackray. She has committed nearly £3 million to an extensive restoration of the property, which was originally built in 1625 as a hunting lodge for the Duke of Perthshire.
The hotel has been run for the last 35 years by Eric and Marion Brown, who are now retiring after what they describe as a 'loving' tenure. It is scheduled to reopen in Spring 2026 under its new name, Thackray House.
Preserving Musical and Historic Legacy
The hotel gained international fame as a stopover for The Beatles, who stayed there during their Scotland tours in 1963 and 1964. The refurbishment will pay direct tribute to this legacy. Ms Thackray plans to create themed guest rooms, including a John Lennon Room and a Paul McCartney Suite.
Announcing the purchase, Ms Thackray, a lifelong Beatles fan, said: "This is a magical place with one of the richest histories I have ever encountered. The moment I stepped inside, I felt the spirit of the seventeenth century still alive. Knowing they stayed here makes it even more meaningful."
Expansion and Elevated Vision
The renovation will be overseen by Inverlochy Castle Management International (ICMI). The project aims to elevate the guest experience while meticulously preserving the original 17th-century architecture and interiors.
The hotel will expand from its current 17 bedrooms to 20. This includes the restoration of the estate's outdoor Rose Cottage and the refurbishment of neighbouring cottages to support weddings, retreats, and film productions. The surrounding Callander area is renowned for its cinematic landscapes, featuring locations used in productions like Outlander.
Norbert Lieder, Managing Director of ICMI, stated: "We are honoured to guide the transformation. The estate has enormous historical and cultural significance, and this investment will ensure it becomes one of Scotland’s most distinctive luxury destinations." He added that the project will create jobs and support local tourism in The Trossachs.
