The four-star Victorian hotel is being placed into creditors voluntary liquidation with the Covid-19 pandemic proving to be the final straw for the business.

The 19th century Scottish baronial style mansion, set in 18 acres of parkland, comprises 120 rooms as well as restaurants, bars and a spa, and was a popular venue for meetings, conferences and weddings. It is located three miles outside the city on South Deeside Road, Blairs.

The hotel suffered from the downturn in the local economy due to the collapse of the oil price and its knock-on effect on related businesses. The onset of the coronavirus lock down earlier in the year added to cash flow pressures and the business proved unable to recover its normal levels of trading.

The business employed a total of 68 staff, with all staff, unfortunately, losing their jobs.

Ken Pattullo of Begbies Traynor said: “Unfortunately, the hospitality sector has been among the hardest hit by the pandemic with the forced closure last spring having devastating consequences for the Ardoe House Hotel.

“With Aberdeen currently in Level 2 and coronavirus restrictions continuing, the directors felt the hotel was no longer viable and had no choice but to put the business into liquidation.

“In the face of ongoing uncertainty due to the health measures implemented to help combat the global pandemic, there was no way of saving the business and the jobs it supported; it is sad to see the closure of such a popular hotel.”