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Country house hotel expansion could deliver 60 jobs

Giancarlo RinaldiSouth Scotland reporter
RAD Hotel Group A picture of Hetland Hall Hotel viewed from the side with a dramatic sky above itRAD Hotel Group
The plans would see an extension added to the hotel

Plans to expand a country house hotel in the south of Scotland could deliver up to 60 jobs to the area.

The RAD Hotel Group has lodged an application to extend its Hetland Hall Hotel at Carrutherstown in Dumfries and Galloway.

It would include 26 extra bedrooms, a spa and wellness facility and the creation of a new wedding and events space along with 10 woodland lodges.

A planning statement submitted in support of the plans said they would "create a unique visitor experience that embraces the exceptional landscape setting of Hetland Hall".

Google A hotel building with cars parked outside and trees on the lawns in front of itGoogle
Hetland Hall has operated as a hotel for more than 40 years

Hetland House was originally built in 1868 and has been expanded over the years and was used, for a time, as a seminary.

It became a hotel in 1985 and has operated as such since then.

If approved, the plans would see a two-storey extension added along with the woodland lodges.

The company said its plans had aimed to provide additional floorspace while respecting the architectural and historical significance of the building.

"Hetland Hall is an established country house hotel and recognised visitor destination within Dumfries and Galloway," said the statement supporting the plans.

It said the proposals represented a "significant investment in the continued evolution of the hotel" which aimed to "broaden the hotel's tourism offer".

RAD Hotel Group A young man with brown hair swept forward and a thin, brown moustache and beardRAD Hotel Group
Aaron Kyle said the plans had been revised to take on board feedback from the council

Aaron Kyle, managing director at RAD Hotel Group, said the company had listened to feedback from the council on previous plans for the hotel which were ultimately withdrawn.

"If approved, the proposals would significantly enhance the hotel's wedding, accommodation and leisure offering," he said.

"We believe the revised plans respond positively to the points raised and represent an exciting opportunity to invest in the long-term future of Hetland Hall.

"We look forward to working constructively with the council as the application is considered."

Hetland Hall is one of a number of hotels operated by the RAD Group across Scotland.

The group was founded in 1999 with the purchase of Lochside House Hotel near New Cumnock, but it now owns a "portfolio of 10 stunning venues".

Among its other sites are Seamill Hydro, Fairfield House Hotel, Dalmeny Park and Lochgreen House.