Five-star hotel owners announce estate expansion

The owners of a five-star hotel in Aberdeen have announced plans to take over a neighbouring estate.

Balmoral Group, which operates the Marcliffe Hotel on North Deeside Road, wants to expand its leisure and spa facilities.

The Woodbank Hotel being acquired is currently owned by Shell and has 21 bedrooms, seven meeting rooms, private dining rooms and a sports centre.

The purchase - to be completed later this year - would expand the Marcliffe site to nearly three times its current size of eight acres.

Sir Jim Milne, who chairs the Balmoral Group, said: "We are thrilled to be set to acquire Woodbank, not only to develop the luxury experience for our guests but to also contribute meaningfully to Aberdeen's economy.

"While we're focused on upholding what people have come to cherish about Marcliffe, we're looking to the future ensuring that luxury, service and guest experience remain core to our vision."

Shell will continue to operate Woodbank and have use of its facilities until mid-November.

Shell UK Upstream senior vice-president Simon Roddy said the plan was to pass the site to the new owners towards the end of the year.

"I know Woodbank has been a much-appreciated facility for so many employees, staff members and pensioners over decades," he said.

"This opportunity is a positive move to secure a future for the property as part of the hotel complex, which the wider Aberdeen community can benefit from."