Latest news with #SimpsInns
Daily Record
20-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Ayrshire College student takes short course to success at award winning spa
Gracie Wilson secured a spa attendant role at the Gailes Hotel's spa. A combination of industry training, hard work and enthusiasm is paying off for spa attendant Gracie Wilson who has taken her love for skincare into an exciting career in the beauty industry. Gracie is a valued member of the Si! Spa at The Gailes team, where she was recognised as Outstanding Performer of the Year at this year's SimpsInns 'Oscars', a celebration of excellence across the SimpsInns group. The ambitious 18-year-old from Saltcoats began working as a member of The Gailes Hotel & Spa's events team on a part-time basis after leaving Auchenharvie Academy. She was interested in the beauty industry and a career advisor suggested signing up for Ayrshire College's accredited short beauty courses. This appealed to Gracie as the courses offer industry standard practical training, combining studying on campus and online. The 18-week full-time courses are accredited by the Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (CIBTAC) and most students who meet the eligibility criteria will receive full funding. Gracie decided to begin with the Body Massage Technician short course and this helped her to secure a spa attendant role at The Gailes Hotel's award-winning Si! Spa. As part of her in-house training programme, she then went on to complete a Facial Therapy Technician short course, also at Ayrshire College, alongside bespoke training on ishga and ESPA treatments. The spa attendant's role involves practical tasks like clearing lockers, laundry and assisting therapists with room turn-arounds, all of which are geared to teach junior members of the team about the operations of the spa from the ground up. Attendants also assist at reception and with show-arounds, which allows them to gain a working knowledge of products and treatment lists by answering enquiries from customers. Gracie said: "I moved from the hotel to working at Si! Spa last April and I've already completed all my ishga training - including advanced treatments like pre-natal and deep tissue massage - as well as my ESPA Essentials training. "The courses I did at Ayrshire College were a great way to learn the basics and helped a lot with what I was doing at the spa. I also got introduced to Abbie [Malone, who began working as a spa attendant in March 2024] when we were at college and we became friends when we both started working here. "I love working in the spa and getting to personalise each guest's experience when they come here. My sisters live in Melbourne in Australia and I've been lucky enough to visit them a few times. I would like to follow them out there one day and work in a spa there." Angela Sheridan, Head of Learning & Skills: Hair, Beauty, Complementary Therapies and Make-Up Artistry, said: "At Ayrshire College, we are constantly evaluating and evolving the type of courses we offer to best meet our students' needs. Recently we've been seeing learners move away from traditional, longer HNC/HND courses, towards more flexible, skills-focused hair and beauty short courses. "We have a great relationship with Si! Spa and this partnership has been integral to the success of our short courses programme, which bridges the gap between education and employment. These courses give learners the chance to earn while they learn and build real-world industry experience, in this case, at one of the top spas in Ayrshire. "Gracie's journey illustrates how well our students develop job-ready skills to meet their own career aspirations alongside the recruitment needs of the spa industry." Alyson Shaw, Spa Manager at Si! Spa, oversees Spa therapist and team development and is a certified Train the Trainer for ishga, ESPA, The Light Salon and Mii. She said: "There is so much to learn due to the wide range of treatments that we offer at Si! Spa, where we are continuously upskilling our team on new techniques and protocols. We deliver training for all levels of experience within the industry. "For our trainee therapists, I offer a mentorship style training, allowing us to drip-feed product information alongside their spa attendant role and their treatment training. I deliver the training in bite-sized chunks, catered to each employee's learning style and at a pace that suit them. Doing this way creates a more inclusive learning environment for our trainees." Si! Spa, which currently employs 23 therapists and 2 senior therapists, works closely with Ayrshire College to support its ongoing recruitment needs, this includes attending events, facilitating work placements and student visits. Recruitment will also commence soon for the new Si! Spa at The Waterside, a luxury seafront spa opening at The Waterside Hotel in West Kilbride later this year. Rebecca Simpson, Spa & Leisure Manager at Si! Spa, added: "We have a great working relationship with Ayrshire College and some of our most recent recruits have come from connections we have made there. We participated in the Beyond the Surface recruitment event at their Kilmarnock campus, which was showcasing the different pathways their courses can lead to. The students were keen and engaged which led to two new recruits and three joining us on a student work placement. "Abbie was recruited from student placement the previous year, and another recruit Lauren Lynch had already qualified in facials via a short course at Ayrshire College and was due to start the massage course when we took her on. We gained funding through Ayrshire Growth Deal to support Lauren with the massage technician course. "Gracie is keen, willing to learn and has a genuine passion for the industry. She's the perfect example of what we look for in Si! Spa therapists. We are lucky to have her as part of our team and we can't wait to see her progression in the industry."
Scottish Sun
25-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Luxury Scots hotel in popular seaside spot crowned best spa & golf destination
Read on for the full list of winners A LUXURY hotel located in a popular Scottish seaside spot has been crowned the best spa and golf destination. The Gailes Hotel scooped the top gong at this year's highly-valued Innis and Gunn Prestige Hotel Awards. 4 The Gailes hotel in Irvine has been crowned the best spa and golf destination Credit: SimpsInns 4 The on-site restaurant serves up some tasty meals for guests 4 An overnight spa break includes a hot tub The Oscars of the hotel world were dished out at a swanky ceremony in Glasgow last week. Finalists from all over Scotland attended the event which was hosted by Des Clarke at Doubletree By Hilton. And the Gailes Hotel on Marine Drive in Irvine, Ayrshire, scooped the award for the best spa and golf hotel. The hotel and spa is owned by Irvine-based Simpson family, who are the driving force behind SimpsInns. They own and operate a collection of award- winning hotels, restaurants, bars, spas, golf and leisure activities along the Ayrshire coast, including The Loans at Troon. Located just 40 minutes from Glasgow, The Gailes Hotel & Spa has a reputation as one of Ayrshire's leading luxury wellness destinations, offering a collection of over 50 personalised treatments, day spa packages and overnight chill-out breaks. It's surrounded by some of Scotland's world famous links courses plus there's a full range of facilities on site at Gailes Golf. Western Gailes, Dundonald Links and Gailes Links are on their doorstep, while Open Championship venues such as Royal Troon, Turnberry and Prestwick are all within easy reach. On site, golf fanatics can enjoy Ayrshire's only Toptracer driving range, PGA teaching studio and much more. SimpsInns' Waterside Hotel at West Kilbride was also Highly Recommended in the Four Star Hotel category. Inside the invite-only superyacht 'sea hotel' with four-story penthouse - & another $450m 'twin' ship is on the way 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." Malcolm added: "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." Awards Director Warren Paul said: "It's worth saying the calibre of the people here tonight is quite incredible – it's fantastic for us to see very senior bosses from hotels across the country here in person introducing their future generations to us, and demonstrating just how important and impactful these awards can be. 4 The venue has a reputation as one of Ayrshire's leading luxury wellness destinations "They're all the very best operators in Scotland, delivering amazing service and much- needed escape from the rigours of modern life. "We all need time out to rest, recover, recharge – especially right now – so our world-class, in fact world-beating hospitality industry should be celebrated and shouted from the rooftops. "I really wish the powers that be would support and help the hard-working people who give up their weekends, days and nights to offer the rest of us all sorts of amazing breaks and escapes. "Whatever you want to do, you can find it in Scotland – and here tonight. Full list of Prestige 2025 winners BEST 3* Hotel - Brander Lodge Hotel BEST 4* Hotel (CENTRAL( - The Parklands Hotel, Perth BEST 4* Hotel (EAST) - The Scholar Hotel BEST 4* Hotel (NORTH) - The Glenesk Country House Hotel and Spa BEST 4* Hotel (WEST) - Glasgow Marriott Hotel BEST 5* Hotel - Rusacks St. Andrews BEST B&B / GUESTHOUSE - The Auld Kirk B&B BEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL - Cromlix BEST CITY HOTEL - Sandman Signature Glasgow Hotel BEST CONCIERGE - Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow – John Leese BEST COUNTRY HOTEL - Kingshouse Hotel, Glencoe BEST ECO/SUSTAINABLE HOTEL - Voco Haymarket Edinburgh BEST EVENTS AND CONFERENCE HOTEL - Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow BEST GENERAL MANAGER - Doubletree by Hilton Glasgow Central – Andrew Diegan BEST HISTORIC/HERITAGE HOTEL - Cromlix BEST HOLIDAY RENTAL ACCOMDATION - Harris Hideaway BEST HOTEL BAR - Radisson RED Glasgow BEST HOTEL RESTAURANT - Rusacks St. Andrews BEST INDEPENDENTLY OWNED HOTEL - Glynhill Hotel & Spa BEST ISLAND HOTEL - Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa BEST PET FRIENDLY HOTEL - The Riverside Lodge Hotel BEST SPA/GOLF HOTEL - The Gailes Hotel & Spa BEST TEAM - The Scholar Hotel BEST VALUE HOTEL - Holiday Inn Express Aberdeen BEST WEDDING HOTEL - Lochside House Hotel RAD "From the perfect wedding hotel to the most incredible hotel bar in the heart of Glasgow's music city, country retreats, island hotels, bustling city breaks, cosy retreats for private rental, all of it. "We have it all, Scotland really is special and the offerings in this trade are stellar. That's why we are here – to showcase the results of the hard work by so many people, and to recognise and thank them." Elsewhere at the awards, Andy Murray's luxury five-star Cromlix resort served up a double win at the Hotel Oscars. And the Best Value award went to the Holiday Inn Express hotel in Aberdeen. Other standouts including Rusacks St Andrews, Edinburgh's Voco Haymarket and Radisson RED Glasgow picked up key honours.
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.'
Daily Record
21-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Ayrshire restaurant serves up scrumptious scran after £200k revamp
The Loans Inn has been popular with Ayrshire foodies for almost 30 years and it is set to continue into the future after a £200k revamp. It has been popular hotspot with Ayrshire foodies for almost 30 years and the Loans Inn is set to continue that trend after a £200k revamp. Ayrshire Live was invited along to try the new menu after the SimpsInns venue underwent reopened earlier this year. Despite the renovations, the venue remains true to its heritage with a fresh feel given to the interior. It was branded as a "stylish interior makeover" and the modern take on a traditional look helps create a warm, homely atmosphere which is echoed through the eclectic mix of furniture and ornaments adorning the shelves. The decor reflects local culture and matches with the new menu which has Ayrshire weaved through it. It all comes together with the mood lighting to create an ambience perfect for date night or a family dinner. The new menu features Troon-landed langoustine scampi (F.V. Spes Bona, Troon Harbour) and roast Ayrshire hake as well as desserts including warm apple and pear toffee crumble with crème anglaise. It caters to every taste with the standard and customisable burger options, choices of steak and salad bowls alongside gluten-free and vegetarian options. The new menu also includes a curry of the week and pie of the week which provides a variety of options. Jenna, the hostess, was attentive, friendly and accommodating. She made an effort to make every guest feel at home and took time to speak with everyone while her colleagues were equally helpful. The food itself is well presented and meets every expectation from the generous portion sizes to the last flavoursome morsel on the plate. Described as having a "bit of a nip", the curry of the week (buttermilk chicken) hit the spot and the fillet steak, cooked to perfection, was scrumptious. All in all, it was an enjoyable experience with a memorable atmosphere and worth trying out, particularly if you've visited in the past.
