SIR Richard Branson has announced that his first Virgin Hotel in Europe will be in Edinburgh.
The tycoon said he was ‘thrilled’ to announce the plans, adding: “My grandparents were from Edinburgh and my wife Joan is also Scottish, so the country has always held a special place in my heart.”
The 225-room, five star hotel is expected to open in 2020 and will be located in the India Buildings on the city’s Victoria Street.
The Old Town location will be right by the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle.
Virgin Hotels is the latest venture for Branson, having opened the doors on his first hotel in Chicago in 2015, with one in San Francisco following later this year.
“Virgin Hotels are putting the traveller at the heart of design and service,” he explains.
“I travel frequently and know what I want wherever I am in the world – free wifi, no cancellation fees, and early check-in or late check-out without penalties.
“I want a comfy bed, space to work, a social space to relax, and superior service. Virgin Hotels deliver these things and so much more – but I don’t want to completely spoil the surprise.”
Gavin Barrie, Edinburgh City Council’s economy convener, said: “This is an exciting announcement and a huge coup for Edinburgh; it really is testament to the city’s resilience during these uncertain times that Virgin Hotels has chosen Edinburgh as the first city outside the US in which to open a new hotel.
“It’s estimated that the hotel will provide a £5m boost to the local community every year, helping one of the city’s key shopping areas in Victoria Street and the Grassmarket.
“The development of the site will help support hundreds of jobs during construction.”
Enjoy the convenience of having The Sunday Post delivered as a digital ePaper straight to your smartphone, tablet or computer.
Subscribe for only £5.49 a month and enjoy all the benefits of the printed paper as a digital replica.
Subscribe