Minister for Business Richard Lochhead has visited Crieff Hydro to see the results of a £5million investment in a complete dining refurbishment for the iconic resort.

Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels CEO Stephen Leckie met with Mr. Lochhead at an event thanking the contractors, suppliers and partners involved in the landmark project, attended by more than 250 guests.

The event was also attended by Jim Fairlie, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, and Xander McDade, Provost of Perth & Kinross.

The hotel’s transformation has created six new bar and restaurant spaces and marks one of the largest single investments ever made by Scotland’s oldest registered trading company. Richard and Charlie Leckie – the sixth generation of the Leckie family – have steered the project, alongside Fiona Leckie, the resort’s longstanding Head of Interiors.

Richard Lochhead said: “Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “This is an important milestone for a business synonymous with Scottish tourism.

“Crieff Hydro is an important economic driver in the region, providing investment, jobs and bringing new customers to local businesses. I look forward to watching the business flourish for decades to come and commend their leadership and dedication to top-rate tourism and hospitality.”

Stephen Leckie said:

“This landmark project could not have been achieved without the hard work and passion of our entire team and the partner businesses who helped bring it to life."

“This is the most significant investment we have made in decades and marks the start of a new era in Crieff Hydro’s 157-year history. This project, and our ongoing efforts to continually better the experience we offer to our guests, underscores our commitment to championing Scotland’s world-class hospitality sector.”

The new venues within the resort include EAST, an Asian small plates concept; The Ballroom Bar, an elegant, relaxed, contemporary day-to-night bar; and The Winter Garden, an airy Victorian heritage space that has been modernised and offers all-day dining. Loggia, a new panoramic brunch and afternoon tea destination with sweeping views over Strathearn Valley, has also been introduced.

Menus across all the new restaurants champion the very best of Scottish provenance, with Crieff Hydro’s team of chefs working closely with long-standing nearby suppliers to bring plenty of local and regional produce to customers.

The project was supported by Denholm Partnership Architects, who have worked with Crieff Hydro on a number of key projects over the last two decades, with all interiors concepts and designs created by Glasgow based 3 Design. The fit out of the entire project was undertaken by principal contractors Thomas Johnstone.