Future uncertain for Kinnaird Estate's hotel

Staff at Kinnaird Estate in Scotland wait to hear what their future holds after owner Constance Cluett Ward announced her retirement from the hotel business

Kinnaird Estate owner Constance Cluett Ward has announced she is retiring from the hotel business leaving the future of the Perthshire hotel and restaurant hanging in the balance.

A 30 day consultation period started on Tuesday to decide the best way forward for the nine-bedroom luxury hotel on the estate and its staff.

Ward, who has been receiving guests at the estate since turning it into a hotel 19 years ago, recently turned 80 which has prompted her retirement plans.

A spokesperson for the estate said a range of options would be looked at during the consultation period, including finding a new owner for the hotel or turning it back into a private estate, although no decision would be made until the end of the consultation.

Kinnaird, a member of Relaix & Chateaux, employed husband and wife team Anne and Max Schaeflien as house manager and food & beverage manager respectively less than a year ago and its restaurant is home to Scottish Chef of the Year 2009 Jean-Baptiste Bady and Chaine des Rotisseurs Young Commis Chef 2009 Thomas Helyer.