LARGS largest hotel has gone on the property market - with an asking price of just under £1 million, the News can reveal.

The Willowbank Hotel in Greenock Road has been put up for sale for £975,000 by proprietor Iain Smith who hopes to sell the business as a going concern.

Iain says that the hotel is in a good position to bounce back from the coronavirus slump with a number of bookings already in place for next year.

The businessman admits that he last six months have been testing for the sector but says he is hopeful of finding a buyer.

He said: "It is probably not best period to try and sell a hotel with everything surrounding the pandemic, but I thought as I am reaching retirement age, it was the right time for me.

"A lot of our trade is accommodation based and normally we are pretty full right through the year, but the pandemic has played havoc with that.

"A big part of the Willowbank is weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and we do a lot with short break tour firms.

"David Urquhart Coaches recently shut down and last year we had a lot of business for them every weekend - but we still have a lot of contracts with different groups next year."

The hotel was built by Iain's father in 1959 and has been successfully running in the family for 60 years, employing around a dozen staff.

Iain said: "It is quieter at the minute as the functions and live music are gone, but I'm confident we can bounce back.

"We just feel it is the right time to sell up. There are not a lot of hotels in the town any more, there has been a general drop in accommodation within the town, but there is still very much a need.

"There aren't many places in the town which can hold big functions like we can.

"The infrastructure is in place and our intention is to sell it as a going concern if someone comes along - although someone may want to flatten it and rebuild it is a fair footprint."

The hotel was built at a time when Largs was one of Scotland's premier holiday destinations and people would often spend up to two weeks at a time there.

Iain, who used to work at Hunterston, said: "Times have changed but we have managed to juggle coach parties, regular functions and general accommodation to keep the business a good going concern.

"With a rise in staycations, it is a changing picture, and I think everyone has had to sit back and take notice of the situation.

"On Saturday night just there we only had one empty room in the whole building - people still need to get away and enjoy a break."

The Willowbank can host up to 80 guests for weddings, dinner dances and other social events. In total, the conference facilities can accommodate up to 150 people, The property is being marketed by Christie and Co.

A company spokesperson said: "The Willowbank Hotel has much to offer everyone. Located on entering Largs from Greenock the hotel enjoys an accessible position within the town. Whether it be conferencing, weddings, private parties or coach parties the Hotel has the capacity to accommodate either.

"The Willowbank Hotel is the largest hotel in Largs, with over 30 bedrooms. We hope to see considerable interest."