ONE of Ayrshire's best-known hotels has been taken over by a local hospitality group.

The RAD Hotel Group, based in Cumnock, has taken over the Seamill Hydro.

The Hydro's owners, the Sweeney family, and the Kyle family, owners of the RAD Hotel Group, issued a joint statement on Friday evening expressing their excitement about the deal - and what it means for the future of the hotel - with a special thank you. 

They said: "The Sweeney and Kyle families are delighted to announce that Seamill Hydro has become part of the RAD Hotel Group. This will become the ninth venue within the the group.

"Seamill Hydro has been under the leadership of the Sweeney family for more than three decades, who have transformed it into one of Ayrshire’s best loved destinations with an enduring commitment to the future of the historic hotel.

“During our time as custodians of Seamill Hydro we have enjoyed the highest highs, like the grand opening of the stunning Firth Pavilion.

"We have also endured the most agonising lows, such as witnessing the closure of the hotel during the country’s fight against the pandemic. 

"Our family has been honoured to share in the special moments of so many lives, thousands of weddings, countless birthdays and anniversaries and hundreds of proposals.

"We could never adequately express our feelings towards our clients but would like to take this opportunity to thank you all, so very much..

Sylvester Sweeney said: "Lorraine, Steven, Marina, our parents Mary and Sylvester, the rest of the family and I would like to pay a special tribute to the truly wonderful team of people, both past and present that have dedicated themselves, many over decades, to support us and the hotel.

"The hard work and dedication shown by so many people and the true passion to make the hotel the best it can possibly be, has been a constant inspiration and source of energy and pride to us all.

"We know the team will continue to give everything they have to make Seamill Hydro better tomorrow than it is today.

"Our family has decided that it is the right time to start a new chapter in our lives and to pass on the honour of being custodians of Seamill Hydro.

"We know that the hotel will flourish under the leadership of the Kyle family, who share so many of our values as well as our vision for the future of the hotel.

"We will forever cherish our time at Seamill Hydro but are so excited to see what will come next.”

Robert and Vivien Kyle from the RAD Hotel Group said all existing bookings for Seamill would remain secure, along with all future weddings and events already booked for the hotel, and that all deposits and vouchers will be honoured.

The existing staff team at Seamill will also remain in their current positions to ensure continuity during the transition of ownership.

Robert and Vivien added:  “Not only are we delighted to be taking over from one family to another, but we are also proud to be adding another iconic Ayrshire based hotel to our prominent portfolio.

"Seamill Hydro could not be a better fit for us, with many similarities to our existing venues. RAD Hotel Group has a passion for ensuring guest experience is top priority which aligns well with the current values at Seamill Hydro, we all look forward to continuing this impressive legacy built by the Sweeney family. 

 "The past year has been an exhilarating time for RAD Hotel Group, with Seamill Hydro marking our third new addition, alongside Brig o’ Doon House Hotel in Alloway and the nearby Fairfield House Hotel in Ayr.

"Our focus as a group is to continue re-investing in all our properties and Seamill Hyrdo will be no exception. 

"We would like to say a huge thank you to The Sweeney Family for trusting us to carry on the legacy they have built so well over the years, and we wish them the very best in their new chapter. 

"During this transition we would like to re-assure all staff at Seamill Hydro that we are dedicated to being as supportive and accommodating as possible and will announce further operational plans soon.

"As always, we are grateful for our amazing team at RAD and appreciate them endlessly for their hard work and support over the last 12 months. 

"The whole family and management team at RAD can’t wait for what lies ahead and are eager to bring our wealth of experience to this already thriving hotel.”

In addition to the venues mentioned above, the RAD Hotel Group owns and operates the Lochside Hotel near New Cumnock, Dalmeny Park in Barrhead, the Royal Hotel in Cumnock, the Carlton Hotel in Prestwick, Hetland Hall near Dumfries, and the Radstone in Larkhall.