Northern Irish private investment company Wirefox has expanded its leisure portfolio to Scotland with the acquisition of the Ardgowan Hotel in St Andrews through its Marram Hotels business.

The privately-owned property was acquired from the McLachlan family for an undisclosed sum.

The group plans to operate the three-star rated hotel in its current form, and will retain the existing staff.

Kathryn Robinson, investment director at Wirefox, said: “As an iconic golfing hotel, it’s a great time for us to be adding the Ardgowan Hotel to our growing portfolio, with all indicators pointing towards a bumper year for golf enthusiasts off the back of The Open.

“Welcoming the current staff to Wirefox’s extended team, while continuing to trade, will allow us to gain a deeper understanding of the business and continue to provide the much-loved service guests have become accustomed to.

“We’re grateful that the McLachlan family have agreed to work with us to ensure a smooth transition and we look forward to acting as custodian in the months and years ahead.”

Housed in a B-listed Georgian townhouse, designed by Scottish architect George Rae, the hotel comprises of 29 en suite bedrooms, with a further seven en suite rooms in a section of the property dating back to 1820.

Bought by Roy and Eliza McLachlan in 2003, the business is now run by the second generation of McLachlan family – brother and sister, Duncan (director of catering and head chef) and Rachel (director of marketing and business development).

Roy McLachlan, managing director of The Ardgowan Hotel, said: “The hotel has enjoyed many years of excellent performance due to its wonderful staff and I am convinced that both the staff and the hotel will enjoy a very bright future.”

Wirefox was advised by BTO Solicitors of Edinburgh and Belfast-based Davidson McDonnell in relation to the acquisition, with the McLachlan family seeking counsel from Scottish law firm Thorntons Law.