Uddingston hotel Redstones goes into administration

Jan 21 2010 by Chris Clements, Hamilton Advertiser

A FIRM that owned a well-known hotel and a popular restaurant have gone into administration.

Efforts are now being made to find a buyer for the Redstones, at Uddingston, and Da Luciano, Bothwell.

The owners of the two establishments were Morris Inns, based in Hamilton, who are now in administration

The firm employed about 60 people across the two sites.

Yesterday (Wednesday) it was announced that the company faced serious cash difficulties.

Morris Inns claimed that the recession had a major impact on their business, and they experienced “disappointing” sales over the Christmas and New Year period.

A well-established family-run business, the firm have operated primarily in Lanarkshire for over 25 years.

The company was owned and operated by ex-Cricklewood Hotel owner Nigel Morrison and members of his family.

Accountants and business advisers PKF were appointed joint receivers of the group last Friday, January 15.

The receivers said both businesses would continue to trade while a buyer was sought, and it is hoped that a purchaser can be found for both operations.

A spokesman for PKF told the Advertiser that corporate recovery partner Bryan Jackson is continuing to trade both operations and has instructed agents to market the sale of the businesses.

Mr Jackson said: “There will be many individuals in and around Glasgow who know the Da Luciano restaurant and Redstones Hotel as they are highly regarded and respected brands in the hospitality sector.

“Unfortunately a combination of the recession and disappointing festive trading has led to the business being put into receivership despite the best efforts of the directors.

“We are hopeful that a purchaser can be found for the businesses in a relatively short time.

“They will continue trading as usual whilst they are being marketed by Christie & Co.”

A source at Da Luciano restaurant said yesterday that all would continue as normal until a buyer was found.

In September, 2006, the Advertiser reported that neighbours were unhappy with plans to expand the Redstones into a neighbouring Victorian villa.

Another well-known Lanarkshire hotel was put into administration at the end of 2008.

The Popinjay, in Rosebank, made the move following cash-flow problems, sparking fears for its future.

However, the hotel was saved after a consortium including ex-Rangers star Barry Ferguson bought it.