Family-run Scottish hotel group celebrates 30 years of award-winning success

The Irvine-based Simpson family is the driving force behind SimpsInns, which now owns and operates a collection of hotels, restaurants, bars, spa, golf and leisure activities, including The Waterside Hotel & Spa in West Kilbride, The Gailes Hotel & Spa in Irvine, and The Loans Inn at Troon.

Established in June 1996 by Malcolm and Karen Simpson, The Loans Inn (formerly The Bruce Inn) was the first hotel in the SimpsInns portfolio. The Gailes in Irvine opened in 2002, followed by the group’s third hotel, The Waterside, in 2011.

Golf and gym facilities were added to the collection in 2014. SimpsInns' debut spa opened at The Gailes in 2021, followed by The Waterside five years later in 2026.

The family-owned business has gone from strength to strength over the last 30 years, thanks to an ongoing programme of investment and a dedicated team of more than 300 hospitality professionals.

Today, the next generation of the Simpson family are supporting their parents, Malcolm and Karen, with the next chapter of the SimpsInns success story. Jack Simpson (32) was just two years old and Lee Simpson (30) wasn’t born when the company was founded in the mid 1990s, but they are now part of the senior management team, leading some of the most ambitious investment projects in the company’s history.

As part of its 30th anniversary year, SimpsInns has just launched Scotland’s ultimate new spa break destination, just 40 minutes drive south of Glasgow. Boasting commanding sea views over the Firth of Clyde towards the Isle of Arran, The Waterside Hotel at West Kilbride now offers a stunning new sea-view spa and restaurant following a major £3 million development.

The opening of Si! Spa at The Waterside is part of SimpsInns’ wider ambition to enhance its reputation for offering the best spa and leisure experiences across the Ayrshire coast region.

Looking back on the last 30 years, Malcolm Simpson said: “While much has changed over the last 30 years, our commitment to great food, warm hospitality and exceptional service remains at the heart of everything we do.

“Looking back at where we started and seeing where we are today, we’re incredibly proud of how far we’ve come. Our success is very much owed to our dedicated team and a constant focus on ongoing investment across each of our venues.

“We’d like to thank all our entire team, guests, suppliers and friends who have continued to support SimpsInns over the last three decades.

“We look forward to what the next 30 years have to bring as we celebrate our special anniversary year and the launch of Scotland’s ultimate new spa break destination at The Waterside in 2026.”

Malcolm’s son, Jack Simpson, is part of the senior management team at SimpsInns. He said: “As we look to the future, our focus remains on continued development across the business. We want to maximise the opportunities ahead of us, while never losing sight of what got us here in the first place - delivering great experiences and maintaining the high standards our guests expect.

“Equally important is continuing to invest in our people, developing our team and creating opportunities for them to grow alongside the business. After 30 years, we're as ambitious as ever and excited about what the next chapter holds for SimpsInns.”

Many famous faces have walked through the doors of SimpsInns’ venues over the last three decades, including actors James Nisbet and Robson Green; musician, Pete Docherty; TV personalities, Mark Wright and Jean Johanson; news presenter, Naga Munchetty; footballer, Ally McCoist; and Swedish professional golfer, Alexander Norén.

A motion was recently passed in the Scottish Parliament to recognise Simpsinns for the Best Spa Hotel in Scotland accolade at the Scottish Hotel Awards 2026 and in recognition of SimpsInns’ achievements as one of Scotland’s leading hospitality businesses over the last 30 years.

Malcolm Simpson said: “One of the biggest lessons I've learned over the past 30 years is never to assume. In business, things rarely go exactly to plan, and if there's one constant, it's change. The key is to stay flexible, be adaptable and be ready to adjust quickly when circumstances shift.

“We've faced our share of challenges and unexpected opportunities over the years, but our ability to evolve, make decisions and keep moving forward has been fundamental to our success. That's a mindset that has helped shape SimpsInns from day one and remains just as important today as we celebrate our 30th anniversary.”

He added: “Looking back, I honestly wouldn't change anything. There have been plenty of highs and lows along the way, but that's all part of the journey of building a business. Every challenge teaches you something and every success gives you the confidence to keep moving forward.

“Those experiences have shaped who we are today, and I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved. To still be growing, investing and welcoming guests 30 years on is something we're very grateful for, and I'm delighted with where SimpsInns is today.”