Global hotel management company, Valor Hospitality Partners has announced its partnership with US-based Links Collection and Northern Ireland-based Wirefox to operate the Scores Hotel in St Andrews, Edinburgh, beginning with an 18-month renovation.
Formed by Texas-based partners Robert Covington and Jonathan Harper, the Links Collection is the culmination of a mutual goal to develop and grow a desirable portfolio of small boutique hotels around iconic UK golf destinations, following their lifelong enthusiasm for links golf.
Wirefox, owned by BJ Eastwood, a recognised property developer from Belfast, will lead the development, while Valor Hospitality will provide all hospitality development consulting services, followed by managing the property upon opening.
Links Collection and Wirefox acquired the historic 36-room property from the Mann family who owned and operated the hotel for the past 34 years. The new ownership and Valor Hospitality are dedicated to renovating the property into a world-class destination, while maintaining its original history and character.
Euan McGlashan, CEO and global co-founder, Valor Hospitality Partners, said, 'Our team is thrilled to begin operating and overseeing the Scores Hotel amid its much-anticipated refurbishment. Valor Hospitality’s deep understanding of the hotel industry will ensure the property is set up for nothing but success.
“It was an ideal fit to partner with Robert, Jonathan and Wirefox for this venture, and the Scores property in St. Andrews was the natural next step in our global portfolio expansion.
'We look forward to bringing our unique luxury experience to every aspect of the property as we have done in our safari lodges in Africa, as well as some of our bigger golf projects such as Fancourt golf resort in South Africa and McLemore in the US.”
The refurbishment will expand the existing space to create a luxurious boutique hotel, combining old world hospitality with modern charm.
In conjunction with Valor Hospitality’s global restaurant team, headed by Chris Martha, Michelin Star chef Matt Gray and London-based interior design firm Goddard Littlefair, Roy Brett, chef patron of Scotland’s number one restaurant, Ondine in Edinburgh, will be heavily involved in the kitchen and restaurant redesign, as well as the development of the food and beverage concepts.
The property will feature multiple dining outlets, including a restaurant, bar, café, garden patio and outdoor terrace, as well as intimate and unique experiences for guests to enjoy. The hotel also plans to support the local economy by aiming to employ approximately 70 local staff members, as well as sourcing local produce to be used throughout the property.
“We are beyond excited to be working with local professionals to make our Scores Hotel vision come true,” said Brian McCarthy, managing director, Valor Hospitality Partners. “After a few tough years, we are thrilled to bring life back to St. Andrews and share this incredible property with visitors and locals alike.”
The Scores Hotel combines Seaton House, an 1864 Victorian property, with an 1880s boy's school, St. Salvator’s. The two historic buildings were formally joined together in 2012 to create additional suites within the hotel.
Known for its beautiful historic town, internationally renowned university, and world-famous golf courses, St. Andrews is a sought-after destination and lovingly referred to as the ‘home of golf’.
The hotel is set to reopen in 2023, when it will welcome back the local community and international travellers alike.
The addition of the St. Andrews hotel to the Valor Hospitality portfolio follows a period of rapid growth for the company, which saw its UK portfolio double in size in 2021, after being appointed to manage 17 further IHG properties.