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The Herald Scotland
5 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Scottish castle hotel where Nelson Mandela stayed for sale
Graham + Sibbald is marketing the Shieldhill Castle Hotel, Quothquan, Biggar. Mr Mandela stayed there in 1997 during the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting. The agent said: 'A house has stood at Shieldhill on its present site overlooking the Clyde Valley and Lanarkshire hills, for over 800 years. It originally dates back to 1199, and parts of the original remain, but it is the 18th and 19th Century additions to the main property that predominate. The house has been occupied since 1560, mainly by the Chancellor family, who it was that sold the property in 1959. It was then that Shieldhill metamorphosed into hotel use.' The hotel has spaces available for a variety of uses. (Image: Graham + Sibbald) Graham + Sibbald said: 'There is an attractive range of public areas, in the hotel, to suit a variety of uses and guests and there is a marquee for weddings and functions. 'Externally, the hotel boasts tranquil tree lined grounds of 6.5 acres with lawns and an ornamental pond; plus the 'Nelson Mandela' tree commemorating his visit in 1997.' Alistair Letham, a hotel and leisure consultant with Graham + Sibbald, said: 'Shieldhill has been a feature in the country house hotel sector, in Southern Scotland for many years. The availability of Shieldhill Castle Hotel presents a wonderful opportunity to acquire an established country house hotel, in good order, with excellent business development prospects.' Graham + Sibbald is inviting offers around £1.5 million. Results are in from The Herald Scottish Golf Survey Some surprising findings have been uncovered in the first-ever Herald Scottish Golf Survey, with custodians of the country's courses sharing their views on finances, governance, the challenges they face and the opportunities that lie ahead.
The Herald Scotland
5 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Results are in from The Herald Scottish Golf Survey
Some surprising findings have been uncovered in the first-ever Herald Scottish Golf Survey, with custodians of the country's courses sharing their views on finances, governance, the challenges they face and the opportunities that lie ahead. More than 90 captains, club secretaries and managers representing 116 courses throughout the country took part in the survey, accounting for 1,880 holes of golf. Their facilities range from small rural clubs through to some of the biggest names in the game. The received wisdom is golf, and golf clubs in particular, were in a general state of decline before the pandemic with a 20% reduction in membership levels during the 20 years prior. Then along came the 'Covid bounce' when golf was among the first activities allowed during the lockdown period, rekindling the game's popularity and reviving the financial fortunes of its clubs and facilities. Our survey shows that while this has undoubtedly been the case for some, the broader situation is not as clearcut as that narrative suggests. Tomorrow's big read in Business HQ Monthly delves into the numbers with plenty of graphics for a quick reference guide. We also speak to the secretary of a small community club about the challenges it is up against and what has been done to try and overcome those difficulties. Read more: It marks the start of a three-day series that will be followed on Friday by the survey findings on clubs' opinions of governing body Scottish Golf, and the potential financial impact of implementing a 'one player, one fee' system in the collection of affiliation payments to Scottish Golf. OpenPlay, the flexible subscription for non-club members to obtain an official handicap, comes under the microscope on Saturday and we also speak to some clubs that are working together to improve their financial fortunes.
The Herald Scotland
09-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Family-run Italian courtyard restaurant put up for sale
Cornerstone Business Agents said Crolla's Italian Kitchen 'is situated in an enviable trading location within 'The Courtyard' at the historic Eskmills venue' in Musselburgh, East Lothian. The agent said: 'The main entrance leads into the first dining area with traditional tables and chairs, high tables and seating and well stocked bar. The rear of the property has the main dining area which is predominantly glazed, offering attractive views over the courtyard giving 110 covers between these two areas. A shared car park is available just a few yards from the entrance. The interior. (Image: Cornerstone Business Agents) 'Our client has owned and operated 'Crolla's Italian Kitchen' since 2014 and has only reluctantly placed the business on the market to concentrate on other business ventures. Trading as a quality Italian restaurant, Crolla's has won numerous local and national awards over the years highlighting the quality food and exceptional service that is offered here. The restaurant enjoys a tremendous local reputation and its unique trading location attracts customers from all over East Lothian, Midlothian and beyond.' The agent also said: 'The premises are in excellent condition throughout, also offering 47 covers in the courtyard making it suitable for continuing along the same lines or for an alternative cuisine offering. 'Our clients choose to trade just five days per week closing on a Monday and Tuesday.' The leasehold is offered at a guide price of £100,000. Football firm launches Scotland's largest padel investment With an estimated 25 million active players, padel is widely considered the fastest growing sport in the world. Described by the Lawn Tennis Association as "an innovative form of tennis that's fun, easy to learn and extremely sociable", the sport counts Sir Andy Murray as one of its most vocal advocates. Now, as its popularity continues to soar, Powerleague, the UK's original and premier provider of small-sided football, is making a major play into padel. The firm, which was started in Paisley in 1987, has announced a £2.2 million investment to install 11 courts across Scotland by the end of 2025. American Golf drives forward with increasing diversity This article appears as part of Kristy Dorsey's Around the Greens series Despite its name, American Golf was founded in the UK in 1978 by brothers Robert and Howard Bilton, who were inspired by sports shops they had visited while in the US. Following a succession of ownership changes before going into administration in 2018, the business is now owned by International Leisure Group with financial backing from Leeds-based private equity group Endless. The sport's post-Covid boom encouraged American Golf to overstretch its resources, with the business recording a loss in 2023. A subsequent restructuring has left the UK's largest golf retailer "well-placed" for growth according to chief executive Nigel Oddy, who was brought in by Endless in April 2023. The Herald Scottish Golf Survey 2025 will close to submissions on Sunday May 11, but until then every club and course in the country is invited to submit their views. If your club or organisation has not already received an invitation to take part, please contact
