Holiday firm’s Highland aims

A Preston-based holiday and leisure company has secured a seven-figure funding package to support the continued expansion of its Scottish resort portfolio.

Harrison Holidays has used £7m of HSBC UK funding to acquire the Ardlui Hotel, Marina and Holiday Park, which sits on the northern shore of Loch Lomond.

The deal follows the retirement of the previous owners of the site. Set across 11 acres, the estate comprises a 12-bedroom hotel, a marina, and a caravan park licensed for 96 units.

Following the acquisition, Harrison is undertaking a refurbishment of the hotel and surrounding grounds. Plans include redesigning the food and beverage areas, both indoors and outdoors, to better serve travellers heading to the Highlands and those walking the West Highland Way.

The family-run company will also create additional lodge and pod accommodation for holiday rentals and refurbish two existing houses to operate as luxury holiday lets, while also looking at opportunities to expand the marina to accommodate more boats.

The expansion is set to increase Harrison’s turnover by eight per cent and create 10 new jobs over the next 12 months.

Director William Harrison said: “As a family-run business, we are always strategic with growth and expansion plans.

“This investment into such a unique holiday park marks an exciting step forward, creating new opportunities for our business and delivering benefits to both holidaymakers and community members alike.”  

 David Edwards, global relationship director at HSBC UK, added: “This acquisition is a fantastic example of a business identifying a significant investment opportunity that strengthens its own portfolio but also contributes to local tourism and economic growth in the region.

“As one of the UK’s largest family-owned holiday and leisure park businesses, Harrison Holidays has a long history of offering family-friendly holiday experiences.”

Established in 1974, the business owns and operates a range of holiday parks in some of the UK’s most sought after coastal and countryside locations, including Cumbria, Northumberland and Suffolk.