The Ship Inn in Stonehaven has been sold by its long-time owner for an undisclosed sum, in deal managed by DS Hall.
The seller, Simon Cruickshank, is retiring after two decades at the helm. The business has been sold to another Simon Cruickshank – no relation – who already owns three Aberdeen venues, The Albyn Bar & Restaurant, The Cults Hotel and The Bieldside Inn. He is also the son of Aberdeen publican Simon Cruickshank Snr.
Dating back to 1771, The Ship Inn is made up of three interconnected buildings which include a lounge bar and six en-suite letting rooms. The modern extension contains The Captain’s Table, a 38-cover restaurant with a focus on seafood, as well as five further en-suite rooms and the lounge bar which seats 50, as well as a sun terrace providing seating for 32 overlooking the harbour.
Seller, Simon Cruickshank, said, “I’m sure the Ship Inn will be in very capable hands. I wish them great success and hope they will be happy here.
“I also want to thank all our loyal regular customers who have supported the Ship – quite a few from well before my time here – and all the thousands of visitors from all over the world who have stayed here and sampled our hospitality.
“The Ship Inn is a very special place and it has been my great privilege to own it for 21 years. I wish the new owners and all the staff great success for the future.”
Stuart Johnston, a partner in the Aberdeen office of DM Hall, said, “Scotland’s licensed trade has faced some considerable headwinds in recent years on top of some difficult local economic conditions here in the North East.
“Despite this, the sale process attracted very strong interest, mainly from a range of private operators who recognised the unique opportunity to acquire a successful, well managed business in a fantastic harbourside location.
“It was even more pleasing to see the property being acquired by a successful local operator which will undoubtedly mark an exciting new chapter for this already successful business under Simon’s leadership.”
Picture: The Ship Inn, Stonehaven (centre)