Macdonald Hotels Sees A Surge In Traffic As The Traitors Inspires Castle Breaks

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Scottish hotels are once again seeing a surge in online interest following the success of the BBC’s The Traitors, with new figures from Macdonald Hotels suggesting viewers are looking to turn their fascination with the show’s grand settings into real-life country house breaks.

The independent hotel group, which was founded in Scotland and now has over 30 properties across the UK, has reported a 42% increase in traffic to its hotel pages since the latest series launched, while its guide to Scotland’s famous castle hotels generated more than 30,000 impressions in less than three days.

Filmed in the Scottish Highlands, The Traitors has brought the country’s dramatic landscapes and historic architecture to a national audience. Its popularity is helping shine a spotlight on the appeal of grand country houses and historic retreats, where distinctive settings and a sense of history are central to the guest experience.

Among them is Macdonald Pittodrie House which dates back to 1480 and is set within a 2,400-acre estate near Inverurie in Aberdeenshire, at the foot of Bennachie. With traditional interiors, antique furnishings, original architectural features and sweeping countryside views, the property offers an atmospheric rural retreat surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of the north-east. The hotel features 27 individually styled bedrooms, a restaurant and a cosy snug bar, providing a peaceful base for exploring Aberdeenshire.

Further south, Macdonald Houstoun House offers another distinctive take on the historic country house stay. This 16th-century tower house sits within 22 acres of woodland and landscaped grounds in West Lothian, just 25 minutes from Edinburgh. It combines antique-filled feature bedrooms and historic character with the Tower Restaurant, a cosy vaulted bar and spa and leisure facilities, making it an appealing retreat within easy reach of the capital and its historic attractions.

For those keen to experience Scotland’s dramatic natural setting for themselves, Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel & Resort offers a different kind of escape.

Nestled beside Loch Ard in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, the four-star Highland-style hotel and resort is surrounded by wooded hills, mountains and spectacular scenery, with views across the loch towards Ben Lomond. Its 55 bedrooms and self-catering accommodation provide options for a range of stays, while its restaurant, spa and leisure facilities complement the walking routes, cycling trails and outdoor attractions nearby.

Robyn Lee, Head of Marketing at Macdonald Hotels, said:

“The success of The Traitors has captured people’s imaginations, and we’re seeing a real appetite for the kind of atmospheric, character-filled properties that viewers associate with the show."

“Our Traitors castle guide attracted more than 30,000 impressions in less than three days, and we’ve seen a 42% increase in traffic to our hotel pages since the series launched. It’s clear that people are interested in experiencing a little of that castle-inspired escapism for themselves."

“Scotland has an incredible range of historic hotels, and spectacular landscapes, and we’re excited to help guests discover their own version of that experience.”

To explore Scottish stays and plan a break visit here.

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Feb 1, 2024

2 min read

Birstall Golf Club, one of the oldest golf clubs in the county, has announced that Michael Reed has taken up his position as the new professional at the club.

Reed is a former county amateur champion. He won the Leicestershire and Rutland county centenary year title in 2010 at Hinckley Golf Club, when he played a second round of four-under-par 67 for a two under-140 aggregate.

Two years earlier, he had become the county amateur match play champion by claiming the Philip Wykes Bowl at Market Harborough Golf Club. He is a former assistant to his older brother Richard, the head professional at Glen Gorse Golf Club, who Michael said has been "very supportive" as he takes on these new challenges.

The brothers are both former leading amateur members at Birstall and Michael said he was proud to be given this opportunity to go back to the club as the new head pro.

He was not only a highly successful amateur, but he also did well as a professional when he joined the paid ranks. In his early years as a pro, he clinched the county PGA titles, including the stroke and match play crowns.

He also became the Midland Open champion, winning the prestigious regional title at Birstall in the 2017 season.

Michael succeeds David Clark, who has retired after being the club pro for 34 years.

"I remember meeting David Clark when I first joined Birstall as a young amateur, so it is a tremendous honour to be his successor as club professional,” said Michael Reed. “I am pleased to follow in his footsteps. But I know I shall be very busy for the first few months as there are big plans under way now for changes to the clubhouse, including the pro shop."

"Among the innovations over the coming months there will be a new junior academy when our bigger teaching area is introduced. We would also like to see more ladies at the club, both newcomers and more experienced golfers."

"I am looking forward to being in a position to give lessons whether it is for new members, or for existing members looking to improve their current expertise at the game and develop their full potential to boost their individual playing programmes. This could be if they enjoy medals or knock-out games."

"In a few months time, when I have settled in more, I will hope to appoint an assistant and look forward to competing this summer in more PGA events across the region - stroke play and pro/am tournaments. It will be good to be able to compete in the Leicestershire and Rutland Alliance with Birstall members too, when the fixtures restart later this month."

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Macdonald Hotels Sees A Surge In Traffic As The Traitors Inspires Castle Breaks

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