New owner of The Wicker Man hotel pledges to preserve the venue and the business

The nine-bedroom hotel in Dumfries & Galloway was sold for an undisclosed sum to local hotelier Derrick Jobb. Property agents Colliers International did however confirm that the final sale figure was close to the £200k sought by the former owner.

Thriving business​

Jobb, who also owns the Bank of Fleet Hotel in the nearby village of Gatehouse of Fleet, confirmed to BigHospitality that the venue would not be developed for its land value and the business would be maintained.

"I am delighted to have purchased such a great hotel. Despite press reports saying Ellangowan Hotel has been bought by a developer, I very much intend to preserve the hotel as it is, and maintain it as a thriving local business."

The hotel featured in a number of scenes starring Britt Eckland in the 1973 film The Wicker Man. It also contains a dining room, lounge bar and private accommodation.

"As well as attracting visitors from across the world because of its film connections, the Ellangowan Hotel also functions as an important part of community life for local residents, and I see it as vital that this is maintained," Jobb added.

The Wicker Man​

The hotel was originally put on the market in February​ after the former owner decided to move on after operating the property for nearly 25 years.

Speaking after completing the sale, Alistair Letham, director with Colliers International, said: "Whilst the Ellangowan Hotel is your quintessential main street, Scottish village hotel – the core of the community – it is visited by film buffs from all over who search out such venues and sets."

"New owner Derrick Jobb will undoubtedly develop the business creating a good community village pub whilst catering to the many visiting tourists."