Royal Bank of Scotland backing sees husband and wife team take over popular Eyemouth guest house

A popular Eyemouth hotel, The Glenerne Guest House, has been purchased by a husband-and-wife duo with the help of a six-figure funding package from Royal Bank of Scotland.

It marks the third guest house owned and operated by the couple, Gary and Zoe Steenvoorden, who have built up a tourism business in the Berwickshire town since moving there from Lincolnshire in 2012.

The couple also own TripAdvisor five-star rated, The Home Arms, a bed and breakfast guest house located at Eyemouth Bay, as well as The Ship Inn and a boat chartered to divers in the area.

The Steenvoordens’ interest in Eyemouth grew from visiting the popular town regularly on diving holidays. After 20 years, the couple decided to purchase The Home Arms with the help of Royal Bank of Scotland, which kick-started their growing local business.

Gary Steenvoorden, owner of The Glenerne Guest House, said: “The Glenerne Guest House marks the latest addition to our growing family tourism business in Eyemouth. My wife and I visited the town regularly over a period of 20 years, and our interest in the area resulted in us moving permanently to Eyemouth in 2012.

“We’re grateful to Royal Bank of Scotland for the funding and continued support of our business. We now look forward to being able to put our own stamp on the guest house, which offers visitors a luxurious but affordable hotel option when visiting Eyemouth, and is within close proximity to the popular beach.”

Paul Jess, relationship manager at Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “It has been rewarding to work with the Steenvoordens over the years. We helped them purchase their first guest house and have since watched their business go from strength to strength. The latest hotel is a popular hit in the local area, and is a strong addition to the family’s guest house portfolio, which has something to suit everyone’s needs. We wish them continued success.”