MORE improvements are planned for the Best Western Scores Hotel in St Andrews this winter.

The hotel, which overlooks, the Old Course, completed a £300,000 renovation in time for the 150th Open at St Andrews in July.

That refurbishment included renovated terraces, landscaped gardens and 180m (197yds) of traditional Victorian wrought iron railings to give a new and distinctively classy look to the grand old hotel, and now work is planned for the addition of six luxury suites and a new wing with 30 rooms and suites.

The Scores was probably the smartest address in town when architect George Rae designed Seaton House in 1864, and this now forms a principle part of the elegant terrace, along with an 1880s boys’ school which was converted to a hotel in the early 1930s.

The Mann family, who bought the hotel in 1985, were originally from Glasgow and now have Marriott hotel interests in the USA, including the wholly-owned Marriott Courtyard in Key West, Florida.

They engaged Eric H Brown, the well-known Scottish hotelier, as general manager at the Scores more than a year ago and his wealth of experience has been invaluable.

He spent six years as managing director of the nearby Rusack’s Hotel in the early 80s prior to buying and setting up business at Balbirnie House in the late 80s. More recently, he has spent 15 years with Stakis and Hilton Hotels running three of their operations in England and Scotland

“There is still much to do,” he said, “But I am delighted that the Manns have responded to my suggestions for improvements.”

David Mann, the head of the family, said: “Eric Brown is one of these enormously enthusiastic people who gives you confidence to consider such a significant investment and this, combined with his extensive experience and his local presence, has persuaded us to press ahead with our application for planning permission.”

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