A RETIRED church minister from Largs is fighting a fine he received for parking in a hotel car park - to attend a funeral wake inside.

Reverend Sandy McCallum, 79, is challenging the heartless £100 penalty imposed for leaving his vehicle at the Brisbane House Hotel while paying his respects to a former colleague.

Rev McCallum was told customers arriving at the hotel have to register on an iPad at the bar or the reception and put their car registration details in to avoid a fine.

But he claims nobody informed him of the change to the parking arrangements, brought about after the Brisbane sub contracted the facility to a third party firm.

He said: "I have been a good and faithful customer of the Brisbane Hotel over the years and have even conducted weddings in there.

"I had parked at St Columba's but the weather was bad and decided to drive around to the hotel.

"I wasn't aware of the new regulations and the upshot was I received a notice through the post saying I owe £100 for not having a permit to park in the premises. I am flabbergasted.

"I should have been informed by a member of staff when I entered the hotel.

"I think they are using a sledgehammer to crack a nut, there must be a better way to solve a problem with parking than something so draconian.

"I am a graduate in hotel management, having trained at five-star Turnberry, and I have also been an assistant hotel manager at home and worked abroad in the industry.

"I been an AA inspector of hotels for many years and I know this is not the best way to deal with a parking problem.

"I have a Christian conscious, I would pay if I was in the wrong, but I don't think I am guilty as I wasn't told anything about it."

His daughter Heather said: "The receptionist said the car parking system is now privately owned and nothing to do with them and signage is in place.

"The fact that customers are not told when they enter the hotel about the new situation is completely unfair. My parents are in their late 70s and it is upsetting to receive nasty and threatening letters.

"My father had been late leaving the church and it was a rainy day and was quickly ushered into the hotel by staff and nobody mentioned a thing to him about registering a vehicle. It's totally unfair."

Brisbane management today apologised for the 'upset and distress' caused by the incident.

Martin Scott, group director of operations said: "The change in our car parking originated from a demand from our customers that during weddings and events there wasn’t anywhere for their guests to park as local staff and day visitors were using the car park whilst visiting the area.

"This led to paying guests unable to park due to over crowding. In May we sub-contracted the car park to a third party, who now manage it.

"The hotel makes no profit, or takes any cut of any fines issued. These are managed entirely by the parking company. Parking remains entirely free, all customers have to do is enter their registration number on the systems provided. There are various signs throughout the hotel and car park advising visitors of this.

"Furthermore, visitors have a 15 minute window to use the car park without being fined. On the occasion in question, we do apologise for any upset and distress caused and we encourage any guest affected to contact the parking company direct to explain their situation. We will endeavour to collaborate any situations where fines were issued incorrectly.

"In taking these steps, we are ensuring a better customer experience for our guests ensuring safe and accessible parking remains free and available for all using the hotel, whether just popping in for a coffee, or an overnight stay.

"None of the staff or managers have any control over the car park. As long as visiting customers are able to provide their registration plate, there shouldn’t be any issues moving forward."