Loch Lomond hotel and resort set for expansion and new holiday pods after £7 million takeover

Plans to refurbish and expand a hotel and holiday resort on the banks of Loch Lomond have been unveiled after a £7 million takeover deal.

Preston-based leisure company Harrison Holidays has set out its proposals after acquiring the Ardlui Hotel, Marina and Holiday Park following the retirement of the previous owners of the site.

Situated on the northern shore of Loch Lomond and set across 11 acres, the estate comprises a 12-bedroom hotel, a marina and a caravan park licensed for 96 units.

Ardlui Hotel, Marina and Holiday Park is situated on the northern shore of Loch Lomond and is set across 11 acres.

Harrison Holidays has used £7m of HSBC UK funding to acquire the asset and support the continued expansion of its Scottish resort portfolio.

Following the acquisition, the firm is undertaking a refurbishment of the hotel and surrounding grounds. Plans include redesigning the food and beverage areas, both indoors and outdoors, to better serve travellers heading to the Highlands and those walking the popular West Highland Way. It will also create additional lodge and pod accommodation for holiday rentals and refurbish two existing houses to operate as luxury holiday lets, while also looking at opportunities to expand the marina to accommodate more boats.

The HSBC-backed expansion is set to increase Harrison Holidays’ turnover by 8 per cent and create ten jobs over the next 12 months.

William Harrison, director at Harrison Holidays, said: “Ardlui Hotel, Marina and Holiday Park already has a well-established reputation, providing customers with high quality hospitality situated within Loch Lomond’s iconic picturesque countryside. With HSBC’s support we can now add to this rich legacy.

“As a family-run business, we are always strategic with growth and expansion plans. This investment into such a unique holiday park marks an exciting step forward, creating new opportunities for our business and delivering benefits to both holidaymakers and community members alike,” he added.

Established in 1974, Harrison Holidays owns and operates a range of holiday parks in coastal and countryside locations, including Cumbria, Northumberland and Suffolk. The parks offer a variety of accommodation, including luxury lodges, cottages, hot tub holidays and “glamping pods”, as well as welcoming tourers and motorhomes.

David Edwards, global relationship director at HSBC UK, said: “This acquisition is a fantastic example of a business identifying a significant investment opportunity that strengthens its own portfolio but also contributes to local tourism and economic growth in the region.

“As one of the UK’s largest family-owned holiday and leisure park businesses, Harrison Holidays has a long history of offering family-friendly holiday experiences. We are proud that, with our support, the business can provide even more holidaymakers with a greater range of destinations.”

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