THE historic Lomond Hills Hotel, which is based in the village of Freuchie near Falkland Palace, has a new owner, just months after falling into liquidation.

The converted coaching inn, which has been welcoming guests for nearly 300 years, fell into liquidation in March, amid cash flow problems related to the pandemic and cost of living crisis. All 17 staff were made redundant, and the hotel ceased to trade.

Christie & Co was instructed by Ken Pattullo and Kenny Craig, joint liquidators at Begbies Traynor, to sell the hotel the following month and today announced that it found a new owner.

READ MORE: First new homes built in Fintry for 20 years are sold

The hotel, which has 24 bedrooms, restaurant, public bar, leisure centre and function suites, has been acquired by regional developer Glenshire Group. It hopes to restore the hotel, which had been renowned for its gantry of 50-plus whiskies and real ales, as an important village hub.

Harris Aslam of Glenshire said: “We are delighted to be acquiring the Lomond Hills Hotel and as a locally based business, look forward to investing into Freuchie. Many thanks to Gary Witham and the wider team at Christie & Co for their exemplary service throughout the transaction.”

READ MORE: Global confectionery giant Mars to swallow up Hotel Chocolat

Gary Witham, director in Christie & Co’s Scottish hospitality team, who brokered the deal, said: “In the face of challenging times for regional pubs and hotels, we are delighted to see the Lomond Hills Hotel sell to a regional developer who is passionate about re-establishing the hotel into village life and we wish them all the best.”