AUCHRANNIE Resort has targeted another summer of soaring occupancy after completing a £2.5 million extension.
The latest expansion at the Isle of Arran resort, which has continually grown since its current owners took over in 1988, has seen the development of a new 20-bedroom wing.
The investment, supported by long-standing lender Royal Bank of Scotland, was sparked by increasing demand for accommodation at the resort.
Now the owners are looking to emulate the ultra-high occupancy rate achieved last July and August, noting that demand has been fuelled by reduced ferry fares to the island as well as improvements to the pier at Brodick.
Company secretary Colin Morrison said: "There is increasing demand for accommodation across the board and the resort as a whole.
"Last year our occupancy rates in July and August were 97 per cent, with a full-year average of 88 per cent."
The new wing at Auchrannie comprises 18 executive rooms and two top-floor suites.
The rooms are bigger than their original counterparts, and incorporate bunk rooms for children, complete with televisions at each bunk. The rooms and suites also have luxury bathrooms.
Family "resource rooms" with utilities such as washing machines, tumble dryers and microwaves have also been added, along with residents' lounges on the three floors, each with balconies.
Mr Morrison said: "The integrated bunkrooms in our new development give adults and children their own space within the rooms. However with the bunk room door closed they also provide sophisticated high quality accommodation for couples and single visitors."
RBS relationship director Lesley Stark said: "Scotland's tourism sector is enjoying increased demand from overseas as well as UK visitors, so the time is right for Auchrannie to expand its resort hotel.
"The resort's management has always been forward thinking and a leader when it comes to catering for the family holiday sector. We've been delighted to be able to support the company with the new development."
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