Award-Winning Arran Hotel Set For New Era Under Buzzworks

Award-winning hospitality operator Buzzworks has announced plans to welcome The Douglas Hotel into the business, marking another milestone in the group’s growing accommodation offering.

Located on Brodick seafront, the hotel has welcomed residents and visitors to the Isle of Arran for more than 170 years and is one of the island’s best-known hotels.

Subject to completion in mid-July, The Douglas will continue welcoming guests throughout the summer before temporarily closing in Autumn/Winter for refurbishment. The hotel is expected to reopen in spring 2027.

Following a major seven figure redevelopment, The Douglas will join Buzzworks' signature House Collection, transforming the iconic site into a modern and stylish pub, restaurant and rooms venue, where guests can eat, drink and stay while enjoying everything Arran has to offer.

The move builds on Buzzworks' established presence along the Ayrshire coast, where Scotts and Lido in Troon, and Vic's & The Vine in Prestwick, have become well-known destinations for locals and visitors from across the west of Scotland. With Arran visible from the Ayrshire shoreline on a clear day, the addition of The Douglas feels like a natural extension for a company with close ties to the communities that know and love the island best.

Designed for staycations, golf breaks, family getaways and business travel, the newly revitalised hotel will feature 21 beautifully designed bedrooms, a vibrant open-plan bar and restaurant and enhanced outdoor spaces that can be enjoyed by both island residents and visitors throughout the year.

Led by acclaimed designer Jim Hamilton, the refurbishment will celebrate the building's heritage while introducing Buzzworks' signature approach to hospitality, with a focus on timeless design, quality craftsmanship and creating welcoming spaces that reflect the character of Arran.

Kenny Blair, CEO at Buzzworks, said:

“We're absolutely delighted to be welcoming The Douglas into Buzzworks. This is an iconic hotel with a fantastic reputation, and we are proud to be taking this special place forward and building on its legacy."

“This investment allows us to build on what The Douglas already offers whether guests are coming in for a casual drink or a bite to eat, enjoying a meal in the restaurant, or settling in for a comfortable and stylish overnight stay. We know how much this hotel means to the island, and we're keen to honour what's already here while bringing our own passion for great hospitality to it — creating a place that visitors love and that the people of Arran can enjoy and call their own for many years to come."

As part of the acquisition, the existing team at The Douglas will join the wider Buzzworks business, with the company fully committed to supporting all team members throughout the transition.

When The Douglas reopens, there will be an exciting opportunity for the team to be part of something new - with access to the training, development and career progression that Buzzworks is known for.

Kate Russell‌, General Manager from The Douglas Hotel, said:

"We are incredibly proud of what The Douglas has become and the role it has played in welcoming both island residents and visitors to Arran over the years."

"It has been a privilege to care for such an iconic hotel, and we'd like to thank our guests, our dedicated team and the local community for the incredible support they have shown throughout that time."

"As we look to the future, we believe Buzzworks is the right fit to take The Douglas into its next chapter. The business’ passion for hospitality, respect for the heritage of their venues and commitment to the communities they serve gives us great confidence that the hotel has an exciting future ahead."

Buzzworks is a B Corp certified business and has been recognised as one of the UK’s Best Companies to Work For for ten consecutive years. The group currently operates 23 award-winning venues across Scotland and was named Best Managed Pub Company (under 51 sites) at the 2025 Publican Awards.

For more information on Buzzworks please visit here.