It’s not often that a genuinely exciting opportunity comes along, but perhaps this is what you’ve been searching for?

If you have solid hotel management experience and are looking for your own premises; or maybe you own a small chain and are looking for your next growth location; or want to break into the industry – this unusual opportunity in the North East of Scotland could be absolutely right for you.

Founded in 1985, the North East Scotland Preservation Trust (NESPT) is a registered Scottish Charity and Company Limited by Guarantee. It secures derelict properties, finds viable uses and raises the funding to restore and develop them. The properties are rented out to support the Charity. To see more of our recent successful developments, including the award-winning Sail Loft Bunkhouse at Portsoy and the Silversmith’s Quarters in Banff, visit www.nespt.org.

We are redeveloping the derelict property at 5-7 Mid Street, Fraserburgh (also known as the former John Trail Bookshop) into a hotel. Significant grant funding has been secured by the NESPT to achieve this and the restoration work is being completed to

an exceptionally high standard. The hotel is currently due for completion at the end of November 2021 and is available to rent. It comprises 11 ensuite bedrooms, including a fully accessible bedroom on the ground floor, a small café/restaurant, a fully fitted kitchen and a reception area with feature fire. In an exciting development the NESPT has purchased the adjoining, category B listed, former Clydesdale Bank and has started work to convert it into phase 2 of the project. The bank building will provide a large bar or bistro in the former banking hall, a new 42 cover restaurant and lift access to a further five large bedrooms or suites. Phase 2 will be completed in the future subject to funding becoming available. The Phase 1 hotel will be fully independent and operational while Phase 2 is progressed. The chosen operator will need to fit out the hotel (furniture, some floor coverings, curtains/blinds, cutlery/crockery/glasses, etc) and sign a full repairing lease for both phases. Professional support from Economic Development colleagues at Aberdeenshire Council is available.

Located on the North East 250 tourist route, Fraserburgh is seeing growing numbers of business and leisure visitors. Business visitors come to the largest shellfish port in Europe and to the bustling harbour which is the new, long-term base for the operation and maintenance of the £2.6 billion Moray East Offshore Windfarm. Other important businesses operating in the town are Macduff Shipyards, International Fish Canners, Maitland’s Furniture and Homestore and Gray & Adams. Visitors are often attracted by the range of sports and leisure opportunities, the extreme water sports available on this stunning coast, attractions such as the national Museum of Scottish Lighthouses and the natural environment and wildlife. Meanwhile, the North East Scotland College (NESCOL) is a major force in the town, hosting thousands of students at its state-of-the-art facility.

This is a long-term venture and one which is in keenly awaited by local businesses as well as the wider community. Whilst the town has a reasonable B&B choice, the contemporary hotel market is very limited. Visitors often have to travel to Peterhead (17 miles away) or Macduff/Banff (24 miles distant) for hotel accommodation.

If you have the vision to see this unique picture, and the imagination to develop your own special brand of hospitality at this opportune time, then we are very keen to hear from you.

In the first instance, please email Paul Higson, NESPT Project Manager, at info@nespt.org, registering your interest. (Just tell him a little about your skills and experience in the hospitality industry to date). The closing date is 5.00pm on Thursday 7 October 2021. Short-listed applicants will be asked to submit a business plan and financial forecasts before being invited to a meeting for a comprehensive discussion, and a visit to the hotel.