AUCHRANNIE, the Isle of Arran hotel and resort, cited improved occupancy, cost control and the impact made by room and restaurant refurbishments as it hiked profits and turnover in its latest financial year.

Accounts newly available at Companies House show pre-tax profits at Auchrannie rose by 64 per cent to £308,982 in the year ended March 31, with turnover climbing to £7.2 million from £6.7m.

Director Colin Morrison, who noted the resort has just had its busiest ever Christmas, said average occupancy at Auchrannie grew to 90.8 per cent over the period, up from 87.9 per cent, as the business benefits from cheaper ferry prices to Arran thanks to the Road Equivalent Tariff.

“It has had a positive impact on the whole island,” he said, “it’s much cheaper to get to.”

But he also highlighted the impact made by greater focus on controlling costs and the continuing investment. During the period around £500,000 was invested to refurbish two of the resort’s restaurants – Brambles and Cruize bar and brasserie – and in upgrading 12 bedrooms in the older Auchrannie House property.

A further £750,000 of is currently being invested to add six luxury “couple’s retreats” in the grounds, which will be ready in April.

Meanwhile, Mr Morrison said the prospect of the free movement of people across the EU coming to an end after Brexit is “still a major concern” for Auchrannie, which has many EU staff.