A MAJOR refurbishment of The Marine Hotel, North Berwick, “restoring her to her former glory”, is due for completion by June.

The B-listed building on Cromwell Road closed in January and will see much of its interior completely revamped, including the entrance, lobby, reception, restaurant/bar, rooms, spa and fitness centre.

The number of rooms is to increase from 83 to 92, with the events facilities able to host up to 200 people.

The hotel was bought from Macdonald Hotels in February last year by Adventurous Journeys (AJ) Capital, a Chicago-based hospitality and real estate company.

Bruno De Schuyter, the hotel’s manager, said that inspiration for the design had come from the surrounding golf courses and East Lothian’s notable figures, with nods to North Berwick and the hotel and town’s seaside location.

Mr De Schuyter said: “An extensive renovation programme commenced in early January. The project will see the former East Lothian ‘Grand Old Lady’ restored back to her former glory and to once again being the luxury landmark on Scotland’s Golf Coast.”

He added: “The hotel will fully embrace the beauty of the wilderness at its front door and interiors will draw from the agricultural and architectural history of the area, the barley, wheat and stone, alongside the craggy coast, with subtle hints of lobster, midnight blue oil paint and royal amaranth mixed in.

“When The Marine reopens its doors in June, guests can be assured of warm, welcoming Scottish hospitality and impeccable service in an atmosphere of friendly, understated luxury.

“As part of the property’s commitment to building a strong partnership with the neighbouring community, the hotel will take a localised approach to recruitment upon reopening.”

East Lothian Courier: The interior of The Marine Hotel, North Berwick, is undergoing a major refurbishment, including a fresh look for the bedrooms

The interior of The Marine Hotel, North Berwick, is undergoing a major refurbishment, including a fresh look for the bedrooms 

A planning application submitted to East Lothian Council for changes to the lower floors received no objections and was approved. A report by planners said the works would use “high-quality materials which would add character to the building’s design, function and special interest”.

It added: “None of these proposed alterations would compromise any historic interior, including any features of special architectural or historic interest.”

The work includes moving the existing reception desk and ground floor bar area; new flooring in the entrance and lobby area and ground-floor function room; and new wall panels in the reception area.

The restaurant and ground-floor function room will also be refurbished and the rooms will have a fresh new look.

Hotel chiefs declined to disclose the cost of the refurbishment.