One of Scotland’s leading family-run hotel and leisure groups is celebrating three decades of success this month, as SimpsInns marks its 30th anniversary with a major new development on the Ayrshire coast.
Founded in June 1996 by Malcolm and Karen Simpson, the Irvine-based group has grown from a single venue into a multi-site hospitality business encompassing hotels, restaurants, bars, spa facilities, golf and leisure experiences. Today, the SimpsInns portfolio includes The Waterside Hotel & Spa in West Kilbride, The Gailes Hotel & Spa in Irvine, and The Loans Inn in Troon.
The Loans Inn – formerly The Bruce Inn – was the group’s first acquisition, followed by The Gailes in 2002 and The Waterside in 2011. Continued investment has been central to the company’s growth, with golf and gym facilities added in 2014, the first spa opening at The Gailes in 2021, and a second debuting at The Waterside in 2026.
Employing more than 300 staff, the business has expanded steadily over the past three decades, underpinned by a focus on hospitality, quality dining, and ongoing reinvestment across its venues.
Now, the next generation of the Simpson family is helping to shape the company’s future. Jack Simpson (32) and Lee Simpson (30) have joined the senior management team, overseeing some of the most ambitious projects in the group’s history.
As part of its anniversary year, SimpsInns has unveiled a £3 million redevelopment at The Waterside Hotel in West Kilbride, positioning it as a leading spa break destination just 40 minutes from Glasgow. The upgrade includes the launch of the new Si! Spa and a sea-view restaurant, offering panoramic views across the Firth of Clyde towards the Isle of Arran.
The development forms part of a wider strategy to strengthen the group’s reputation for high-quality spa and leisure experiences along the Ayrshire coast.
Reflecting on the milestone, Malcolm Simpson said: “We’re incredibly proud of how far we’ve come over the last thirty years. While much has changed, our commitment to great food, warm hospitality and exceptional service remains at the heart of everything we do.
“Our success is owed to our dedicated team and a constant focus on investment across each of our venues. We’d like to thank our staff, guests, suppliers and friends for their continued support, and we’re excited to see what the next thirty years will bring.”
Jack Simpson added: “As we look to the future, our focus is on continued development while staying true to the standards and experiences our guests expect. Investing in our people is just as important as investing in our properties, and we’re committed to creating opportunities for our team to grow alongside the business.”
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Over the years, SimpsInns has welcomed a number of high-profile guests, including actors James Nesbitt and Robson Green, musician Pete Doherty, broadcaster Naga Munchetty, footballer Ally McCoist and golfer Alexander Norén.
The group’s achievements have also been recognised at a national level, with a recent motion in the Scottish Parliament marking its success, alongside its accolade as Best Spa Hotel in Scotland at the Scottish Hotel Awards 2026.
For more information, visit www.simpsinns.com.
