A Highland Perthshire estate run by the same family for the past 100 years has been acquired by a holiday park operator.
Mains of Taymouth comprises a 160-acre estate on the banks of Loch Tay including holiday homes, a nine-hole. golf course, deli and shop.
It has been acquired by Pure Leisure for an undisclosed fee as the group expands its offering into Scotland.
It comes amid huge investment in the local area, with an American firm having purchased Taymouth Castle and Kenmore Hotel.
Menzies family selling after 100 years
Mains of Taymouth has been under the ownership of the Menzies family for 100 years.
Robin Menzies said: “We as a family have put our heart and soul into making the estate the best it can be.
“We are very proud of creating thousands of quality customer experiences over the years.”
It’s 30 years since Mr Menzies designed the golf course out of farmland on the estate with the help of his late father, Duncan.
The estate was the home farm for nearby Taymouth Castle, seat of of the Earls and Marquises of Breadalbane.
The estate was bought by the Menzies family in 1922.
As achieving an income from farming became more difficult, the family diversified into leisure, building holiday cottages and a caravan park, as well as constructing the golf course, setting up a riding centre and dining facilities.
It was when Robin returned from England in the early 1990s that he and his wife Irena took over the estate.
After guiding the business through Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic, they now plan to retire.
Mr Menzies, whose daughter Danni presents television show A Place in the Sun, believes the new owners are ideally placed to take the estate on.
He added: “Pure Leisure are the ideal custodian of the estate.
“They will bring both experience and fresh ideas to take the estate forward.”
Mains of Taymouth an ‘ideal addition’
Mains of Taymouth will become a part of Pure Leisure Group’s Royal Westmoreland brand, a name synonymous with luxury accommodation both in Scotland and Barbados.
Pure Leisure owner John Morphet said the chance to purchase Mains of Taymouth was too good to pass up.
He also paid tribute to the Menzies family for their work.
Mr Morphet said: “It was simply an opportunity we couldn’t miss. Robin and his predecessors have created an impressive destination.
“The large and loyal customer base is a testament to the hard work of Robin and the staff at Mains
“With spectacular scenery and five-star service and accommodation, it is the ideal addition.
“We know our customers will love to stay here, be it as guests, or holiday home owners.”
Acquisition good news for local community
The deal was facilitated by commercial real estate firm Colliers.
Richard Moss, head of UK parks agency at Colliers, said finding the right buyer was important.
He said: “The estate has been in the family for 100 years and therefore it was crucial that we found an appropriate buyer.
“We’re totally confident that Pure Leisure’s arrival will be nothing but good news for customers, staff and indeed the area.”
The new owners intend to continue the development work that has already begun.
That includes the addition of further lodges plus some new holiday accommodation.
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