Doors set to re-open to a landmark Kirkcaldy hotel

The Strathearn Hotel on Wishart Place will be all set for business in December, seven months after it closed suddenly.

The new owners, local businessmen Graeme Mitchell and Dennis O’Connell, have started work on the building which will be renamed ‘The Strathearn’ when it re-opens.

Graeme, who purchased the business from Bruce Inns Ltd this week, said: “Dennis and I have been close friends and business associates for many years.

“During that time, we have often talked about a joint venture and when all the pieces fell into place, with The Strathearn, we have spent considerable time trying to secure a deal”.

“In recent years I have bought property and businesses in other areas of the UK, but being Kirkcaldy born and bred, it is extremely satisfying to be able to do something new in my home town.

“With Dennis having taken a sabbatical from business and such a wonderful property being available, we both knew this was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up.”

The hotel, which will be operated by Dennis, latterly of The Gilvenbank Hotel, Glenrothes, and O’Connell’s in Kirkcaldy, will be completely transformed over the coming months, with the intention to have the bar, restaurant, function suite and a limited number of bedrooms open for business in time for Christmas trading next month.

Graeme said: “The hotel is in quite a good state of repair.

“Although there is a massive cleaning job ahead, there’s nothing needing done structurally. It’s mostly redecoration.”

Dennis said they were both excited to be the owners of such a popular venue.

“Everyone I’ve spoken to is delighted that it’s re-opening,” he said. “The feedback has been nothing but positive. We thought the neighbours might have objections but they are delighted too.

“It seems that almost everybody in Kirkcaldy has been at a wedding reception or a function here!”

Graeme added: “There’s a real affinity for the place locally so it’s great to get it up and running again.

“We start work, in earnest, this week and we are all really looking forward to welcoming customers in December”.