The Bruntsfield Hotel, a distinguished boutique property near Edinburgh’s vibrant city centre, has been acquired by Dubai-based Dutco Group from previous owners, Castleforge.
This marks the second acquisition in Scotland by Dutco within the space of a year, following the earlier purchase of Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort near Glasgow.
Align Partners once again provided strategic investment advisory and will manage The Bruntsfield along with Mar Hall. Further significant investment is planned to transform and reposition The Bruntsfield Hotel, as a leading luxury hotel, aligning it with the highest standards of the hospitality industry.
The Bruntsfield has long been celebrated for its blend of classic elegance and modern comfort. Following a comprehensive renovation by Castleforge, the property features 74 tastefully designed guest rooms catering to both leisure and business travellers, as well as versatile event spaces, and its charming bar and restaurant, known for locally inspired Scottish cuisine.
Nelson Gibb, Group Chief Executive Officer at Dutco Group, commented: “Expanding further into Scotland’s vibrant hospitality market so soon after acquiring Mar Hall reflects our strong belief in Scotland as a world-class destination. We look forward to bringing our vast hospitality expertise to reposition The Bruntsfield and contributing to its continued success as a cherished part of the Edinburgh hospitality landscape.”
Chris King, Managing Director at Align Partners, added: “We look forward to building on The Bruntsfield’s strong foundation of heritage and excellence. Our aim is to enhance its offerings and ensure it remains a top choice for travellers seeking both leisure and business stays in Edinburgh. We will work closely with The Bruntsfield team and our partners to enhance the hotel while continuing to offer exceptional service.”
Matt Lederer, Hotel Acquisitions Director for Castleforge commented: “We are pleased to have completed a successful bedrooms and restaurant refurbishment programme and brand repositioning of the Bruntsfield Hotel, following our acquisition in mid-2021.
“The Bruntsfield has become a well-regarded boutique offering in Edinburgh. This sale marks the next stage in our business plan, and we can’t wait to see the hotel go from strength-to-strength under new ownership.”
JLL advised Castleforge on the sale.
Under the new ownership, business will continue as normal, with all existing leisure, and business bookings retained. Upgrade works will commence during 2025.
Dutco brings extensive hospitality experience to the acquisition. Its hospitality portfolio includes luxury properties in Dubai, the Maldives, and the Seychelles, operated under its own JA brand, and hotel properties in the United States and Scotland.
The deal is the latest in a series of successful hospitality transactions for Align Partners, including Mar Hall Golf and Spa Resort, currently undergoing a multi-million-pound refurbishment, and follows major refurbishments of properties such as The Morrison Dublin, and the Curio Collection by Hilton, in Dublin.
Kerr Young, Head of UK National Hotels Transactions, Capital Markets at JLL, said: “We are proud to have facilitated the successful sale of The Bruntsfield on behalf of our client
Castleforge. The transaction reflects the enduring appeal of premium Scottish hospitality assets and the significant potential The Bruntsfield holds. We extend our best wishes to Dutco Group and Align Partners as they embark on this exciting new chapter, ensuring The Bruntsfield continues to thrive under their stewardship.”
