Glasgow’s Crossbasket Castle undergoes £9m conversion into period hotel

A 14th century castle on the outskirts of Glasgow has been rescued from ruin and is set to open in spring next year as a hotel, restaurant and event venue.

Businessman Steve Timoney and his wife Alison Reid-Timoney bought Crossbasket Castle in 2011 – a year after it was listed on Scotland’s Buildings At Risk Register. Over the last five years, the couple have invested more than £9m restoring the building to its former glory.

Due to be managed by Inverlochy Castle Management International (ICMI), the hotel is set to reopen in Q2 2016, aiming to host local people, corporate clients and weddings.

Eager to boost its events capacity, castle owners the Timoneys have added a grand ballroom to the castle, which overlooks picturesque waterfalls on the River Calder and can accommodate up to 250 event guests.

Meanwhile, Alison Reid-Timoney has personally designed the interiors, scouring Scotland to ensure each of the nine unique bedrooms, drawing room, dining room and library are furnished with antique 14th, 15th and 16th century pieces.

“My husband and I have a passion for restoring old buildings and first spotted Crossbasket Castle over a decade ago,” she said.

“When we purchased it vandals had damaged the roof and interiors, it was leaking water and the walls were starting to deteriorate. Since then we have painstakingly restored it with a focus on using craftsmen to reinstate original features.”

ICMI’s latest management contract is its 13th for renowned independent properties around Scotland, including Andy Murray’s Cromlix Hotel.

Norbert Lieder, ICMI’s managing director, said: “We are delighted to be working with the Timoneys on this very exciting project to run Crossbasket Castle, and to be offering our guests a wonderful hotel near Glasgow.

“While we aim to create a destination that attracts visitors from around the world we are also determined to ensure it remains a venue of choice for local people and becomes one of the premier wedding and event locations in Scotland.”