York-based company S Harrison transformed the Grade A listed Buchan House, on the north-west corner of St Andrew Square, where it meets North St David Street, into a stylish 72-bedroom hotel complete with Malmaison’s renowned Chez Mal Bar and Brasserie.

Work transforming Buchan House, which covers approximately 44,000 square feet, started in May 2018 and S Harrison appointed Edinburgh based Sharkey as principal contractor on the project. The development was financed with a forward funding agreement from a FTSE 100 pension fund, with an end value in excess of £25million.

The hotel has created approximately 50 new jobs and opened its doors on the 6th of December.

David Clancy, from S Harrison, said: “This development has brought a prominent building back to life, along with all its rich architectural heritage and Georgian period splendour. It’s in a fantastic location, on one of Edinburgh’s most prestigious and important squares, and it complements all the other work taking place in the surrounding area, including the new £1bn Edinburgh St James development.

“Our experience of sympathetically restoring historic and heritage buildings, combined with Malmaison’s vision for creating interiors that are distinctive, stylish and extremely luxurious, has ultimately created one of Scotland’s finest boutique hotels.

“There’s no doubt it’s going to be hugely popular with both business and leisure travellers, from across the world, who want an exceptional and memorable place to stay.”

Guus Bakker, CEO EMEA at Frasers Hospitality, who own the Malmaison and Hotel du Vin brands, added: “Returning to the heart of where Malmaison started is a real milestone for us and we are looking forward to offering a fourth offering in the city, in addition to our Malmaison property in Leith and our Hotel du Vin and Fraser Suites locations in Edinburgh’s old town.

“Edinburgh is such an integral and exciting city and the boutique elements of Malmaison and Chez Mal’s offerings really tie in well to the atmosphere and spirit of the Scottish capital.”

During the Buchan House development, S Harrison made two substantial donations of baby equipment and furniture to Pregnancy Counselling & Care (Scotland), in line with the company’s commitment of supporting charities in the areas where it works.