THE owner of the revamped Millport Pier Hotel says he is delighted with its opening month - and is remaining positive about the island’s off-season.

The former Royal George Hotel has seen a summer transformation with new rooms, a redecorated restaurant and an all new wraparound beer garden.

The renovated premises opened late due to the coronavirus pandemic however owner Alan Crossan says the support from locals and visitors has months of hard work worthwhile.

He said: “It has been quite busy with people wanting to stay and the restaurant has been really popular too, which is great.

“We’ve had lots of people coming over to the island for staycations and the feedback from them has been fantastic.

“It has been difficult for the staff trying to stay on top of the virus regulations, but they are handling the changes well.

“The customers have been doing their bit as well. It’s only guidelines we are getting so the interpretations can be different, but we are getting there.”

Alan is hoping that island businesses continue to get the support of locals during the winter to combat the drop in tourist numbers.

He explained: “We will need to see what happens over the winter months, which is generally the off-season. We are hoping to get the local community’s support.

“We are going to make offers with room rates and have themed nights in the restaurant to bring people through the doors.

“We want to offer people, both locals and travellers, the ability to stay at a good price. Even during winter we are hoping we can still be successful.

“Even with the bad weather outside during the colder months, sitting inside at a nice fire eating a Sunday roast is still attractive for many people.”

The hotel has already undergone major transformations, however Alan says he doesn’t intend to stop there and wants to keep progressing.

He said: “We are looking to get some of our other plans moving and we’ve asked the council questions about the disused building next to us.

“It is currently very dangerous, and kids are always jumping off it into the water. We just want to take the building down.

“We have asked the council about demolishing it as it would make the pier look so much nicer and be safer for everyone.

“We are looking at other plans too, such as extending our beer garden next year and also doing some work on the rooms over winter.

"There is lots to look forward and be optimistic about."