Extra special, small VIPs who have watched the fairytale-like transformation of a castle from their neighbouring nursery school helped to celebrate Crossbasket Castles first birthday this month.
Children from Crossbasket Nursery School joined staff at the castle to enjoy a slice of luxury, tucking into a birthday cake created by the castle’s award-winning pastry chef, David Simak.
Rob Baird, general manager, Crossbasket Castle, said: “It was so much fun to welcome in the local nursery children and staff, who brought a real sense of excitement to the celebrations – especially as they have watched our magical transformation over the past few years.
“We’ve enjoyed a fantastic first year and it’s great to be able to celebrate that with the community as well as with our guests. We have welcomed people from all over the world keen to see how Crossbasket has been restored to its former glory.”
Crossbasket Castle, near Glasgow, was purchased in 2011 by local businessman Steve Timoney and his wife Alison Reid-Timoney; the castle officially opened its doors in May 2016 following a multimillion pound renovation transforming the building from ruin.
Ashley Kane, Nursery Nurse at Crossbasket Nursery, said: “The children can see the castle from the nursery every day, so it was brilliant to bring them along to share in the celebrations. The children loved the balloons, cake and candles and had fun singing Happy Birthday to a castle!”
Having recently been named Castle Hotel of the Year at the Scottish Hotel Awards, Crossbasket has picked up two additional awards this month. It was named Romantic Restaurant of the Year and won the Wedding Venue Food Award at the inaugural Scottish Food Awards and Academy.
Rob added: “The industry awards and accolades the castle has collected over the course of the year is testament to the tireless work and dedication from all of the staff who make a visit to Crossbasket Castle a truly unique experience for our guests.”
Operated by the award-wining hotel management group Inverlochy Castle Management International (ICMI), the castle features nine rooms, including a four-storey bridal tower, a grand ballroom seating up to 250 people and a fine-dining restaurant from legendary chefs Albert and Michel Roux Jr.
Crossbasket Hotel, Blantyre 8.5.17 Staff and children from Crossbasket nursery celebrate the first anniversary of the Hotel. Pictured: L-R David Simak (Award Winning Pastry Chef), Harley Watson (4), Ava Geddes (4), Olivia Cassidy (3, with purple hat) and Rob Baird, General manager. Free PR Use for Weber Shandwick. Further information available from: Sarah Ward Senior Account Executive Weber Shandwick T 44 (0)141 343 3259 M 44 (0)7809 665 773 E sward@webershandwick.com http://www.webershandwick.scot Twitter@wardsward Weber Shandwick, The Hub, 70 Pacific Quay, Glasgow G51 1DZ Pictures Copyright: Iain McLean 79 Earlspark Avenue G43 2HE 07901 604 365 http://www.iainmclean.com photomclean@googlemail.com 07901 604 365 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
