The bookings of guests and brides at a popular wedding venue are in jeopardy after the company which manages Airth Castle Hotel went into liquidation.
A statement from Airth Castle Hotel Limited confirmed the news, with 26 full-time staff and other part-time workers set to be made redundant as a result of the move.
The owners of the operating company said the decision to enter into voluntary liquidation was made as a result of the twin impact of the Covid pandemic and energy crisis.
The hotel building, which is owned by a separate company, is not at risk of being sold as a result of the liquidation, it has been stated.
A statement seen by the Observer, reads: "The directors of the operating company which manages Airth Castle Hotel in Stirlingshire have made the decision to enter the company into voluntary liquidation.
"The operating company, which does not own the hotel, was incorporated in 2004 to trade as Airth Castle Hotel and Spa and was successful and profitable throughout its 18 years of trading.
"The owners of the hotel property, Airth Castle Limited, have advised that the hotel will not be sold as a result of the operating company's insolvency."
Airth Castle Hotel and Spa has 125 rooms and suites, which are located in both the original Castle and the main hotel building.
A spokesperson for Airth Castle Hotel Limited said: "The coronavirus pandemic had a major financial impact on the operating company, as the hotel was forced to close for an extended period.
"Then, as the energy crisis unfolded and supplier costs increased, the company's level of debt reached unmanageable levels and we have taken the reluctant decision to place the company into voluntary liquidation.
"Regretfully, around 26 full-time staff, together with a number of part-time staff, will be made redundant."
The venue remained a popular destination for various occasions across the region and those with bookings at the hotel reacted with shock on social media as the news broke on the liquidation.
The Observer is looking to speak to guests or couples who had bookings at the hotel about their experience and their next steps.
If you want to get us in touch, you can do so by contacting stuart.mcfarlane@reachplc.com.
