• Business

    MacGregor’s goes west with a new foothold in Oban tourist hotspot

    AnyFans Posted on

    By Gordon Davidson

    Copyright sltn

    MacGregor’s goes west with a new foothold in Oban tourist hotspot

    Award-winning Inverness pub MacGregor’s is opening a second outpost, taking charge of the Whisky Vaults Hotel in Oban.

    The couple behind MacGregor’s, Scottish folk musician Bruce MacGregor and former BBC producer and presenter Jo De Sylva, have purchased the existing trading business in a joint venture with Worq Group, helped by a £490,000 funding injection from Royal Bank of Scotland.

    This move will allow the couple to progress their long-held ambition to physically grow the MacGregor’s pub brand, which has already acquired a substantial online following thanks to their musical offering and digital media know-how.

    MacGregor’s in Inverness has been named as Visit Scotland’s Best Bar in Scotland twice and the Scottish Licensed Trade News Music-Led Venue of the Year twice, and continues to do a roaring trade based on its strong offer of regular folk music paired with high quality local food and drink.

    Now the aim to replicate that success at the other end of the Great Glen, where the boutique Whisky Vaults Hotel, dating back to the 1870s, has deep roots in the local community and an existing reputation for traditional Scottish hospitality.

    With the hotel’s whisky bar reimagined as a MacGregor’s pub, the musical performances will again be orchestrated by Bruce, using his extensive contacts to bring in the best trad artistes Scotland has to offer.

    Jo De Sylva 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.”

    Relationship manager at Royal Bank of Scotland, Simon Dearing, said: “Whisky Vaults Hotel and MacGregor’s are prime examples of businesses that combine 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.”

    The funding support has allowed for the retention of four jobs at the Oban site and the business is now seeking to expand operations by creating new front of house opportunities for locals, while expanding its current food offerings.

    You Might Also Like