Jon Hebditch
A top north-east hotel which was at the centre of a homophobia row has had its five-star status reinstated.
Last month, Stewart Spence, the owner of the Marcliffe Hotel in Aberdeen made “derogatory remarks” at a charity dinner.
He apologised to everyone who attended the Hospitality Industry Trust’s dinner, and said he felt “ashamed and embarrassed” about the comments.
But while they investigated the matter, tourism agency VisitScotland removed the popular hotel from its website.
It asked for written evidence from the hotel that it does not discriminate against staff or customers in line with the Equality Act.
Yesterday, the body confirmed it was satisfied with the hotel’s assurances.
Chris McCoy, equality diversity manager at VisitScotland, said: “Following VisitScotland’s request to confirm in writing that the Marcliffe Hotel does not operate any kind of discriminatory policies that would contravene the Equality Act 2010, the business has responded within the set time period to give us those assurances and a clear commitment to their equality policy.
“The policy covers all the key areas, including LGBTI customers and employees, and clearly sets out both the responsibility of the hotel management and the staff. On that basis, we are pleased to be able to remove the suspension and re-list the hotel on VisitScotland.com, including the five-star rating.
“We look forward to continuing the positive working relationship that The Marcliffe and VisitScotland have enjoyed for many years.”