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Merry Once More in Birnam

The Merryburn Hotel in Birnam is back in local hands, after its recent spell as an Indian Restaurant. 

Derek Bell and Kevin Drysdale, who are partners in the firm Dunkeld Builders were looking for a business opportunity to expand their business interests in the area.  They learned that the hotel was on the market and, as they considered the Merryburn their ‘local’, the property was well known to them as they had enjoyed great nights there in its heyday.  They purchased the property with the intention of reviving the ‘Old Merryburn’ but with a new updated feel. 

Derek’s partner Hilary (see pictured opposite) was brought on board as she has a wealth of experience in the hotel industry, having worked at the Dunkeld Hilton for 20 years as conference and events manager.  Hilary is in charge of the day-to-day running of the hotel and is very ably assisted by her fantastic team of Susan MacRae, Debbie Ewart and Steven Anderson, who is their newly appointed chef. 

The Cellar Bar offers a relaxed friendly atmosphere where you can enjoy your drinks, choose from the wide ranging menu, offering excellent pub grub with a daily changing specials board and watch all the latest sporting events on Sky Sports and Setanta.  People local to Dunkeld and Birnam are delighted to have the Cellar Bar open again and have remarked that it is back “better than ever”.

There are 6 letting bedrooms in the hotel offering good quality B & B and if you are looking for comfortable spot to have morning coffee, afternoon tea, lunch or dinner, the Lounge Bar area is open all day, with last orders for food being 8.30pm.  The lounge bar is ideal for those dining with children and it comfortably seats 30, so it is perfect for private parties and functions.   Hilary told Comment “We have had live music nights in the Cellar Bar, which have been very successful, it’s been hard work getting everything ready to open, but it’s been well worth it.”  Hilary can be contacted at the Merryburn on 01350 727216.

The new Merryburners pictured by Linda Thomson

, from left: Susan MacRae, Steven Anderson and Hilary Rennie