Preston-based holiday and leisure company Harrison Holidays has secured £7 million in funding from HSBC UK to expand its portfolio in Scotland with the acquisition of the Ardlui Hotel, Marina and Holiday Park. The purchase follows the retirement of the site’s previous owners.
The Ardlui estate, located on the northern shore of Loch Lomond, spans 11 acres and includes a 12-bedroom hotel, a marina, and a caravan park licensed for 96 units. Harrison Holidays plans to refurbish the hotel and grounds, including redesigning food and beverage areas to better accommodate travellers visiting the Highlands and those walking the West Highland Way.
In addition to these upgrades, the company will add lodge and pod accommodations for holiday rentals and refurbish two existing houses to operate as luxury holiday lets. Expansion of the marina to accommodate additional boats is also under consideration.
According to LancashireBusinessView, the company expects the development to increase turnover by approximately eight per cent and generate 10 new jobs over the next 12 months.
William Harrison, director of Harrison Holidays, said: “As a family-run business, we are always strategic with growth and expansion plans. This investment into such a unique holiday park marks an exciting step forward, creating new opportunities for our business and delivering benefits to both holidaymakers and community members alike.”
David Edwards, global relationship director at HSBC UK, commented:
“This acquisition is a fantastic example of a business identifying a significant investment opportunity that strengthens its own portfolio but also contributes to local tourism and economic growth in the region. As one of the UK’s largest family-owned holiday and leisure park businesses, Harrison Holidays has a long history of offering family-friendly holiday experiences.”
Founded in 1974, Harrison Holidays operates a network of holiday parks across the UK, including locations in Cumbria, Northumberland, and Suffolk.
Analysts in the outdoor hospitality sector note that strategic acquisitions of mixed-use resorts, such as Ardlui, are increasingly being used to diversify offerings, optimize seasonal occupancy, and attract both domestic and international visitors.
For park operators, the addition of flexible accommodation types, like pods and lodges, may offer higher returns on investment while meeting evolving traveller expectations.