by Neil Rae
I will be writing a frequent blog on life at Raemoir in this section of the website where there will also be announcements and up-dates on forthcoming events.
Julie and I took over the hotel in September 2010, a time of great excitement as we embraced the mammoth task of restoring it to its former glory.
A simple enough task, of course. Well, it is if you have no idea of what you’re letting yourself in for. It’s extraordinary how time passes and, despite the time that has elapsed, it feels like there is probably more to do now than there was then.
We set about clearing-out and re-arranging every area and department; repainting, carpeting, cleaning, fixing, heating, staffing….a never-ending list. Then the long hard cold spell over the winter of 2010-11 came and transformed the hotel and grounds into something fabulous and magical. With the weather, however, came leaks which meant more heating, more fixing, more cleaning, more carpeting.
Gradually the inside began to take shape though and we were satisfied that we were on the right road. Customers commented on the fresh and bright interior, the welcome, the comfortable beds, the ambience and we accepted all the compliments with gratitude, but there is always a doubt in your mind. Are we taking Raemoir in the right direction?
There is no intention of transforming it into a boutique hotel or soulless modern operation. We like to think that retaining its features as they are is the way forward, create the traditional Country House feel and charm yet provide the necessary and expected modern services and comforts.
The relaxing, easy-chaired lounge, the grand panelled dining room, the snugness of the Big Fish bar, the individual and quirky bedrooms all combine to give the atmosphere of a bygone era, though the occasional blue LED flash from the WiFi booster reminds us that we are in the 21st century.
It seems idyllic, and on occasion we still find it hard to believe, that we have the opportunity to rekindle Raemoir’s fortunes. There is so much to do, and sometimes it feels that there is too much to do, but there is always something that happens to restore your faith and energy. The invitation to Glasgow for the Scottish Hotel Awards 2011 at the end of March was one of those moments. To be asked in the first place was exhilarating. To be amongst peers of the industry who have been involved in it for a lifetime was fascinating and educational. To be awarded the Country House Hotel of the Year 2011 was simply stunning. That the efforts put in by everyone at Raemoir so far have been recognised and rewarded with such an accolade is fantastic to say the least. It provides a tangible reassurance that our vision for the hotel should stay as it is – a home from home for all those who visit.
There is a long way to go, with a great deal of hard work and the inevitable sacrifices along the way, but hopefully the journey will be worthwhile and Raemoir will always be your Country House Hotel of the year – every year.
