‘Bittersweet moment’ as owner of landmark Perth hotel with 250 years of history sells up
“Having celebrated my 80th birthday recently, I realise nothing can last forever” – Eddie Anderson
A landmark hotel that has been at the heart of Perth’s hospitality scene for more than 250 years has changed hands.
The Royal George Hotel, which is located close to Perth Bridge and overlooks the River Tay, is being acquired by Scottish hospitality operator Buzzworks. It marks the group’s first move into Perthshire and the latest step in its expansion into accommodation.
Ayrshire-headquartered Buzzworks currently operates 25 award-winning bars and restaurants across Scotland.
The acquisition is expected to complete in January. Until then, The Royal George Hotel will continue to operate as normal under its current ownership. Following completion, the hotel will temporarily close for a major refurbishment programme and the transformed venue is expected to reopen later in 2027.
As part of the acquisition, the existing team at The Royal George Hotel will be offered opportunities in the wider Buzzworks business.
Kenny Blair, chief executive at Buzzworks, said: “The Royal George Hotel has an incredible history, and we’re delighted to have the opportunity to welcome such a well-known Perth landmark into the Buzzworks family.
“Hospitality has been at the heart of this site for more than 250 years, with its prominent position overlooking the River Tay and long-standing role within the city’s hospitality scene making it a very special venue. There is so much about The Royal George that we want to celebrate and build upon.
“This also marks an exciting milestone for us as our first move into Perthshire. We’re looking forward to becoming part of the local community, building on the hotel’s fantastic legacy and creating something that Perth can be proud of for many years to come,” he added.
Eddie Anderson, owner of The Royal George Hotel, said: “After more than 26 years at The Royal George, it’s a bittersweet moment for us. Having celebrated my 80th birthday recently, I realise nothing can last forever, and January will bring to a close more than 45 years for me in the hotel industry here in Perth.
“It has been a wonderful journey, and I’d like to thank the many guests who have supported us and all the members of staff, past and present, who have been part of the hotel over the years.”
In 2019, prior to the pandemic, The Scotsman reported on the hotel being put up for sale with a price tag at the time of around £3 million.
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.