Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE

Gretna Green Hotels Recognised at Prestige Scottish Hotel Awards

• Prestige Hotel Awards ceremony, recognising excellence across the Scottish hospitality industry, held in Glasgow on 23rd April 2023
• Gretna Green’s Hotel – Smiths and Gretna Hall – were finalists across four different categories
• Gretna Hall Hotel won the award for Scotland’s Best Hotel Team
• Smiths Hotel has been highly recommended as Scotland's Best 4-star Hotel in the South of Scotland

Gretna Green, the family-owned wedding, hospitality, retail, and experience destination, is thrilled to announce that both hotels were recognised at the Prestige Hotel Awards, with Gretna Hall winning Scotland’s Best Hotel Team Award and Smiths Hotel being highly recommended as Scotland's Best 4-star Hotel in the South of Scotland.

The winners of the Scottish Hotel Awards were announced at a gala ceremony held on April 23, 2023, in Glasgow, with Gretna Green’s two hotels – Smiths and Gretna Hall – shortlisted across four different categories. Smiths Hotel was a finalist for Best 4-Star Hotel in the South of Scotland. At the same time, Gretna Hall Hotel was a finalist in three categories: Scotland's Best 3-Star Hotel, Scotland’s Best Hotel Team and Scotland’s Best General Manager.
These prestigious awards recognise the exceptional service and outstanding guest experience delivered by our colleagues across Gretna Green’s Gretna Hall Hotel and Smiths Hotel.

"We are absolutely delighted to receive this award and recognition for our hotels,” said Isabel Rhodes, Chief Executive of Gretna Green. "It highlights the hard work, spirit and passion we see in our colleagues every day who go above and beyond to create memorable experiences for our guests and underscores our commitment to excellence at Gretna Green."

Press Release

Gretna Hall Hotel has been awarded AA 4-star Rating

Gretna Green, the family-owned wedding, hospitality, retail, and experience destination, is thrilled to announce that its Gretna Hall Hotel has been awarded AA 4-star Rating status.

The AA is the UK's leading independent hotel and restaurant guide and its ratings are internationally renowned as a trusted benchmark for quality. The AA inspectors examine every aspect of the hotel's facilities, services, and guest experience, from the cleanliness and comfort of the rooms to the quality of the food and the professionalism of the team.

Gretna Hall's 4-star rating is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire team in providing an exceptional guest experience and the recent investment in refurbishing the rooms and bar area at the hotel. The hotel offers stunning suites, exceptional drinking and dining options, 10 acres of beautiful gardens and magnificent marriage rooms on site. The hotel's commitment to providing outstanding customer service is evident in every aspect of its operations, from the warm welcome guests receive on arrival to the impeccable attention to detail in every room.

Commenting on the achievement, Chief Executive of Gretna Green, Isabel Rhodes, said: "We are absolutely delighted to receive AA 4-star Rating status from the AA, which recognizes the fantastic efforts of our team to provide our guests with an exceptional stay. At Gretna Hall, we strive to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere, where our guests can relax and enjoy our outstanding facilities and services. This rating is a testament to our commitment to excellence and our passion for hospitality."

Press Release

• John Holliday starts with immediate effect; with a growth agenda for one of Scotland’s oldest attractions.
• Executive with a track record of business growth; local and global.
• It comes just hours after the company’s Gretna Hall Hotel won Scotland’s Best Hotel Team at the Prestige Awards.

Gretna Green, the world-famous weddings, retail and hotels business, today announces that it has appointed John Holliday as Executive Chairman.

He joins Gretna Green, after 20 years in London, working at four blue-chip media brands including ITV, BBC, Sky News and Bloomberg. The 53-year-old takes over the full-time role from Alasdair Houston, who passed away in June 2021.

Gretna Green family director, Lucy Houston, said: “As a seasoned professional, John brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team. He has previously served in senior roles at high-profile companies and has a proven track record of driving growth, implementing effective strategies, building and leading successful teams.” Fellow director, Susan Houston, added: “In his new role as Executive Chairman of Gretna Green, John will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of our business, including strategy and growth initiatives. He will work closely with senior management team to ensure that our business continues to thrive and evolve in today's dynamic marketplace.”

Mr Holliday, an ex-professional footballer at Carlisle United and Mansfield Town, has had several successes in business – including taking a U.K. focused broadcast technology and making it truly global; building the world’s smallest TV studio in a box and ‘The Home of the Expert’. A farmer’s son, he grew up at Langwathby near Penrith and returned to Cumbria in 2019 to help grow two businesses in the Eden Valley. He initially joined the Gretna Green Board as non-executive director in 2022. He takes over from chairman John Hammond, who is continuing to support the Board as non-executive director.

“Susan and I are extremely grateful for John Hammond’s kindness and steady support during the last couple of year following Alasdair’s death and thank him for his loyalty, hard work and guidance. We now look to the future and feel this is an exciting time for the company going forward with John Holliday as Executive Chairman,” added Mrs Houston.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Holliday said: "I am honoured to be joining the team at Gretna Green as Executive Chairman. This is an iconic global brand with a rich heritage and history. It has a bright future and as custodian I am excited to be part of its continued success. I look forward to working with chief executive Isabel Rhodes and the team to build on the company's strengths and drive growth in new and innovative ways."