In a joint venture with Worq Group, marital duo, Bruce MacGregor and Jo De Sylva are expanding and bringing their successful Scottish pub ‘MacGregor’s’ into the heart of Oban at the Whisky Vaults Hotel following a £490,000 funding injection from Royal Bank of Scotland.
The funding package has enabled the couple to purchase the existing trading business, including the premises at Whisky Vaults Hotel. This move will allow Bruce and Jo to progress their ambitions in growing the MacGregor’s pub brand, with the site in Inverness already voted Best Bar in Scotland Visit Scotland) twice and Best Music Bar in Scotland (Scottish Licensed Trade Awards) twice.
The popular boutique hotel in the heart of the Argyll hotel dates back to the 1870s with deep roots in the local community and offers a warming comfortability centred on traditional Scottish hospitality. Unique and stylish rooms compliment the whisky bar which is set to receive a breath of new life as a MacGregor’s pub. Musical performances will be orchestrated by owner Bruce, who will use his contacts from his time as a part of the Blazin’ Fiddles and host of BBC Scotland’s Folk Show, to bring the best trad music Scotland has to offer.
The Royal Bank of Scotland funding support has allowed for the retention of four jobs at the Oban site and the business is seeking to expand operations by creating new front of house opportunities for locals. Continuing on the trajectory of growth, the Whisky Vault Hotel is also looking at expanding its current food offerings.
Joanne De Sylva, Director at Whisky Vaults Hotel, said: “Securing this funding from Royal Bank of Scotland is a significant step for us in establishing Whisky Vaults Hotel and MacGregor’s as a premier destination for whisky enthusiasts, music lovers, and tourists seeking an authentic Scottish hospitality experience.
“We pride ourselves in championing the best local products and talents, and we cannot wait to continue to grow and evolve the business.”
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Simon Dearing, Relationship Manager at Royal Bank of Scotland, commented: “Whisky Vaults Hotel and MacGregor’s are prime examples of a businesses that combines cultural heritage with innovative hospitality. We are proud to use our specialist knowledge to support their expansion with this funding package. Bruce and Jo’s dedication to creating an authentic Scottish experience is truly commendable, and we look forward to seeing their continued success.”
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