MACDONALD Hotels & Resorts has unveiled two senior hires, bringing in new heads for its food and beverage and golf operations.

Bathgate-based Macdonald, which operates more than 50 hotels and resorts in the UK and Spain, has appointed Keith Shearer as group executive chef.

Mr Shearer joins with more than 20 years' experience in the hospitality industry, having developed the food and beverage offer at Malmaison and Hotel du Vin and managed a series of restaurants from conception to launch.

He handled the opening of Bistro du Vin in London's Soho, afternoon tea at Liberty London, and spent two years at hotel firm De Vere Group, where he directed all food and beverage operations.

At Macdonald he will work with chefs on training and menu creation to help improve the guest experience.

Mr Shearer said: "The group's robust policy for [using] only the finest seasonal ingredients and sourcing the best produce available is a breath of fresh air, and what sets the group apart in the industry. These absolutely align with my own and that's what is so exciting about the new role."

Meanwhile, Macdonald has brought in Keith Pickard as its group director of golf.

Mr Pickard, who spent a decade directing golf operations with De Vere, will be responsible for maximising the group's nine golf courses, in addition to affiliated courses in the UK and Spain.

That will involve repositioning the group's golf offer and improving the experience for golfing guests, as well as working with Ryder Cup player Stephen Gallacher, Macdonald's golf ambassador.

Macdonald gold venues in Scotland include courses at the Cardrona Hotel in Peebles and the Marine Hotel in North Berwick.

Prior to joining Macdonald, Mr Pickard worked at international golf resorts such as Brienholtgaard Golf Club in Denmark and Aphrodite Hills Golf Resort in Cyprus.

Mr Pickard, who qualified as a professional in 1995, said: "When it comes to Macdonald Hotels & Resorts' golf assets, I feel like a kid in a sweet shop.

"The group has a superb portfolio and some of the best courses in the country, and I'm really keen to build on the already strong golf brand."