Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels has acquired Perthshire visitor attraction Highland Safaris.
The Aberfeldy attraction will continue its operations as a standalone business within the Crieff Hydro Family portfolio.
It opened in 1992 by husband and wife Donald and Julie Riddell and attracts more than 50,000 guests each year.
Ms Riddell said: “Donald and I started the business the same year we got married with one Land Rover.
“We have put 30 years of hard work into the business to grow it to what it is today.”
Highland Safaris growth
There is also walking and biking activities, Perthshire’s only gem panning centre and a café and gift shop.
Mr Riddell said: “The time is right for us to take a step back and create the opportunity for the business to continue to thrive with the investment and energy Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels will bring.
“There is so much synergy between Highland Safaris and the Leckie family’s business, including a shared love of the local area and its wonderful wildlife.”
Donald and Julie started the business from their family home before moving and building the gold panning centre in 2004.
They expanded in 2014 to include the Red Deer Centre. In 2017, Loch Tay Safaris were added to the attraction’s offering.
Julie added: “We’ve never lost sight of our goal to offer a first-class customer experience and our passion for Perthshire.
“I’m confident that this ethos will remain at the heart of Highland Safaris under the Crieff Hydro Family team’s guidance.”
Why Crieff Hydro invested in Highland Safaris
The Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels has eight hotels in Perthshire, Dundee, the Borders and the Highlands in its portfolio.
Chief executive and chairman Stephen Leckie said the Highland Safaris acquisition is a positive investment in Scotland’s tourism sector.
“Welcoming Highland Safaris to our family will help us achieve our growth strategy and expand our offering to guests, particularly for visitors at our hotels in Crieff,” he said.
“Our team is excited to continue Donald and Julie’s legacy of working closely with local landowners to enrich the economy and appreciation of local culture and history.
“Highland Safaris has an enthusiastic, long-standing team in place that will continue to manage the day-to-day running of the company, with our support, to allow them to do just that.”
Conversation