One of the north-east’s most popular hotels has been put on the market after illness forced the owner to sell up.
The Finavon Hotel has welcomed thousands of guests from Aberdeen, Dundee and Inverness in recent years, travelling en route to major events in the central belt and has gained an enviable reputation among its clientele.
But after 22 years, David Howatson has decided to sell up the property, near Brechin and Forfar.
He said: “Ill heath is forcing me to sell, which is obviously something I wouldn’t have chosen to do in other circumstances.
“Finavon Hotel is a great place. We have so many repeat customers from the north-east and they have supported the business for many years.
“During that period, I have extended, upgraded and refurbished the entire building to make it, in my opinion, the best place to stop on the A90, so I think it would be a no-brainer for somebody else to take it on.”
The owners of the hotel have a background in farming, and have become renowned for using their own produce from a walled garden for the hotel’s fruit and vegetable supplies.
But the current oil downturn in the region has taken its toll on property prices and the Finavon is now on offer at £450,000 by Glasgow-based Smith & Clough.
Mr Howatson added: “Many people comment on the great location of the hotel. Being so accessible from the A90 means there is always someone in the building, whether it be in the coffee shop, restaurant or attending a business meeting.
“Our location means we also benefit from events taking place south of here with many customers calling in on their way south or on their way back home, whether it be from the Royal Highland Show, the Scottish Game Fair, motor racing at Knockhill, or many other events.
“Our bedrooms are also very popular with fishermen and tourists, and we are well supported by local businesses.
“So I think there is huge potential to do more at the hotel, particularly with corporate events, and functions such as weddings.”
Further information is available from Graeme Smith at Graeme@smithandclough.com