Family hotel brings new Girvan jobs

Jun 19 2009

A BRAND new £1 million hotel will open on the outskirts of Girvan – just in time for the Open at Turnberry.

The hotel brings with it 12 new jobs and another foothold into the tourist industry for the Forbes family, who have owned and run Woodland Farm for generations.

The Woodland Bay Hotel will open for business on July 11 and has already sold out for the championship.

It will run alongside the existing farm, restaurant, coffee house, farm shop, fully stocked trout fishing pond and livery yard at the farm.

Director Gillian Forbes said: “We’re helping to put Girvan back on the map as a fantastic holiday destination for couples, golfers, families, overseas visitors flying Ryanair into Prestwick – even honeymooners.”

Gillian insists that the area offers a wealth of activities for visitors the hotel can cater for individuals as well as weddings, private and company parties.

She added: “This corner of Ayrshire has so much to offer in terms of family fun and entertainment.

“So if you're looking for adventure or relaxation all year round, there's no better place to escape to than here.

“The hotel is located on an 800-acre Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), representing the best of Scotland’s natural heritage.

“SSSIs are special for their plants, animals, habitats, rocks and landforms.”

Gillian went on: “We have fantastic sandy beaches with a rich variety of birds and sea-life, opportunities for sea angling, trout fishing and hillwalking, and beautiful walks along the Ayrshire Coastal Path with breathtaking views.

“Woodland is a working farm with child-friendly piglets and lambs, and thirty-one golf courses within an hour's drive. So we’re far enough from the city for complete relaxation, yet near enough for easy access.”