MACDONALD Hotels has said that David Guile is stepping down as chief executive after six years.

The group said that under Mr Guile, who joined Macdonald in 2001, financial performance had improved year on year despite the difficult economic conditions and Macdonald had won the AA hotel group of the year award in 2008 and 2014.

Mr Guile said following the recent refinancing and a continued positive trading performance, the company was well placed for its next phase and the time was right to pursue other interests.

Donald Macdonald, executive chairman, said he had decided against appointing a direct replacement at the present time and would assume the chief executive's role for the time being. Mr Guile would stay on for a short handover period.