A behind‑the‑scenes look at the Murrays’ £‑million overhaul of Cromlix Hotel, captured for a new Channel 4 series.
When the doors of the historic Cromlix Hotel in Dunblane shut for five months earlier this year, no one could have guessed the scale of the revival that lay ahead. The five-star estate, long celebrated for its tranquil setting and traditional Scottish hospitality, entered a period of intensive change driven by tennis champion Andy Murray and his wife Kim Murray.
Their ambition was to blend contemporary luxury with the property’s heritage, an effort that would soon become the centerpiece of a new Channel 4 documentary series.
The programme, titled Our Scottish Hotel, follows the couple and an 80-strong team as they steer the multi-million pound renovation.
Filmed over almost an entire year, the three-part series offers viewers an unfiltered view of the challenges, decisions and triumphs that accompany a project of this magnitude. From sourcing materials to negotiating design details, every facet of the transformation is captured, providing a rare glimpse into a world where no detail is overlooked.
From closed doors to a £-million transformation
The hotel’s temporary closure was the catalyst for a sweeping overhaul that would reshape its future. After the shutdown, the Murrays embarked on a £-million extension that added a sleek new wing, expanding guest capacity while preserving the estate’s intimate feel. The construction phase was marked by a blend of modern engineering and traditional craftsmanship, a balance highlighted by the involvement of local artisans and international consultants.
According to co-chief executive James Rogan of Rogan Scotland, the renovation was as much a personal journey for Andy and Kim as it was a business venture. “Every decision became personal,” he noted, emphasizing how selections ranging from architectural finishes to artwork reflected the couple’s tastes and values. One such choice was the inclusion of pieces by Glasgow artist David Shrigley, whose whimsical works now punctuate the hotel’s corridors, adding a playful contrast to the refined setting.
New wings, restaurants and the woodland spa
At the heart of the revamp lies a modern extension that houses the newly created Garden Room restaurant, a venue designed to showcase seasonal, locally sourced produce. Adjacent to this, the former family-home dining area was reborn as Cradle, a fine-dining concept that pushes the boundaries of Scottish cuisine. Both establishments aim to provide guests with distinctive culinary experiences, from relaxed lunch service to sophisticated tasting menus.
Beyond the dining upgrades, the project introduced a dedicated woodland spa nestled within the estate’s surrounding forest. This tranquil oasis offers a range of treatments that draw on the natural landscape, reinforcing the hotel’s commitment to wellness. Kim Murray described the endeavor as “a new direction for fine dining and wellness,” underscoring the holistic vision that guides the property’s evolution.
Filming the makeover: a Channel 4 exclusive
The decision to document the entire process stemmed from the Murrays’ desire to share the personal stories hidden behind each renovation milestone. Emily Shields, commissioning editor for Channel 4, explained that the series “offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes of a business where no detail is overlooked.” The camera crew captured moments ranging from the practical – such as the search for an additional water source beneath the estate – to the emotional, highlighting the teamwork and humor that kept the project moving forward.
Kim Murray reflected on the experience, saying, “Andy and I haven’t worked on anything together before, so that was a fascinating process – and a learning curve!” Their collaboration, she added, resulted in a “thriving and much-loved Scottish business.” As the series prepares to debut in December, viewers can expect an intimate portrait of the people who breathe life into Cromlix, from the chefs crafting new menus to the engineers ensuring every new bedroom meets exacting standards.
With the hotel set to reopen its doors to guests later this year, the Murrays hope the series will not only attract visitors but also inspire others to appreciate the meticulous care that goes into preserving and reinventing historic hospitality venues.
