03-06-2025
Historic hotel in 'gateway to the Highlands' to re-open this summer under new ownership
An historic hotel in Callander, Perthshire, is to re-open this summer after being taken over by travel firm Caledonian Travel
An historic hotel in the 'gateway to the Highlands' is to re-open under new ownership.
Callander's Dreadnought Hotel has been taken over by travel firm Caledonian Travel.
The group announced on Monday that it the hotel is the latest property to join the Caledonian Hotel Collection.
As a result of the takeover, the Leny Road hotel will now be known as The Caledonian Thistle Hotel.
The original Dreadnought Hotel was built by the Clan MacNab in 1802 as a hostelry for clansmen travelling north but it was extensively enlarged in 1890.
The new owners are now to embark on a refurbishment of the hotel and is expected to re-open at the end of July.
Announcing the takeover, Caledonian Travel said: 'We're delighted to announce that The Dreadnought Hotel in Callander – known as the gateway to the Highlands – is the latest property to join The Caledonian Hotel Collection. It will now be proudly known as The Caledonian Thistle Hotel.
'Located on Callander's charming high street, this landmark hotel is ideally placed for exploring the area – from the dramatic views of Ben Ledi to the peaceful shores of Loch Lubnaig.
'Inside, you'll find comfortable en-suite bedrooms, cosy lounge spaces, hearty dining, live evening entertainment every night, and that signature Caledonian welcome. Whether you're heading off on an adventure or unwinding with a drink in hand, The Caledonian Thistle Hotel, Callander is a true Highland haven.
'We'll now begin a full refurbishment of both the interior and exterior, with plans to reopen at the end of July. We're also going to be recruiting new members to the team – so watch this space!'
The firm is also offering an introductory offer of a 10-per cent discount on breaks booked by midnight on Sunday, June 15.
The former Dreadnought was hit by a fire back in February 2017. Emergency services raced to the scene to tackle the fire which broke out in staff quarters, behind the main hotel and next to the public car park.
Police probing the cause of the blaze interviewed the two teenagers, a boy and a girl both aged 14, in connection.
Then owner of the hotel, Dayo Ogunyemi said: 'It was the staff quarters at the back. There was nobody hurt. There was nobody there.
'It has not been used for a long time. It wasn't being used for anything.
'Normally it closes in the winter. We always close in October then we open back up in March. Obviously it will be later now.'
In May that same year, Mr Ogunyemi con firmed that it would remain closed for the rest of that year's tourist season.
In August 2018, The Dreadnought was put up for sale for £600,000. At that time, the town's community council said that if no buyer was found, it could potentially consider a community buyout, with a survey to be launched ton gauge public support for the idea.
The hotel was traditionally a popular accommodation for holidaymakers to the scenic town through the busy summer months.
