Latest news with #ScottishPrestigeHotelAwards
Daily Record
16-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Leading Ayrshire golf resort appoints first female PGA pro coach and launches 'Ladies Do Golf' classes
The 27-year-old is hoping to attract more women into the sport. One of Ayrshire's leading golf resorts has appointed its first female PGA pro in bid to help drive the sport. Brandy Rook has joined the PGA pro team at The Gailes in Irvine and she's already getting into the full swing with her 'Ladies Do Golf' coaching classes. The 27-year-old runs the lessons for all abilities and classes are complete with coaching studio and video analysis software, as well as new short game lessons on the dedicated pitching, chipping and putting area. The Gailes was recently crowned 'Scotland's Best Spa & Golf Hotel 2025' at the eighth annual Scottish Prestige Hotel Awards. Brandy is one of several prominent female golf professionals in Scotland who are keen to drive female participation in golf. She said: 'I thought it would be a good idea to start offering new 'Ladies Do Golf' group sessions to encourage more women into golf at The Gailes. 'If you've never played golf before, it's less intimidating to come to an all-women's class with a female teacher. There is a more relaxed atmosphere here at The Gailes, too. 'Golf has traditionally been a male sport, but we're seeing more women wanting to take part. It's more popular now than it has ever been.' She added: 'You don't need to be a member of a golf club anymore. Women's golf communities are growing around the UK, with groups meeting to play at golf courses, or enjoy golfing away days or holidays with like-minded women. 'You don't need to buy lots of expensive golf gear or equipment either. You can just come along in your gym gear and trainers and still be able to hit a golf ball. 'As the sessions are in small groups, it's all very sociable, and the ladies meet up afterwards in the on site cafe, restaurant, or spa. Everyone gets to know each other, and they have started to play golf outside of the lessons together.' For more information on 'Ladies Do Golf' sessions with Brandy Rook, call The Gailes on 01294 204040 or click here.
Daily Record
23-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Ayrshire luxury hotels named among best in Scotland at prestigious awards ceremony
The Gailes Hotel & Spa in Irvine and the Waterside Hotel in West Kilbride were among the winners. Two Ayrshire hotels were among the winners at the eighth annual Scottish Prestige Hotel Awards in Glasgow. The Gailes Hotel & Spa in Irvine and the Waterside Hotel in West Kilbride, both owned and operated by the SimpsInns group, were recognised on the night. Scotland's best spa and golf hotel 2025 was awarded to the Gailes which was praised by judges for its 'exceptional facilities and service'. The Waterside was also highly recommended in the four-star hotel category. The Prestige Hotel Awards showcase and reward outstanding service across Scotland's hotel industry following a nationwide public vote. The awards welcome over 500 hotels and hospitality businesses across Scotland. The Irvine-based Simpson family is the driving force behind SimpsInns, which owns and operates a collection of award-winning hotels, restaurants, bars, spa, golf, and leisure activities along the Ayrshire coast, including The Gailes, The Waterside, and Loans Inn at Troon. Malcolm Simpson from SimpsInns, said: 'We're extremely proud to have been recognised once again as an industry leader and for offering some of the best hotel, spa and golf experiences in Scotland. 'This latest award success for two of our hotels is testament to the hard work of our amazing team, who continually go above and beyond to ensure every guest enjoys a fantastic experience with us and keep coming back. 'Continued investment has been a key strategy for the growth of Simpsinns over the last three years, with over £4 million invested across the group. 'We're committed to enhancing the quality of the guest experience across the group, including our newly refurbished restaurant at Loans Inn and the addition of 17 new bedrooms and sea view spa at The Waterside later this year.'
