FRONT OF HOUSE | WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO RUN A PRIVATE ISLAND?
Gordon Cartwright has been the manager of
the well-known and secluded Isle of Eriska
Hotel, Spa and Resort since April 2016.
Unlike most hotel manager roles, Cartwright
is not only in charge of the property but he
is also in charge of the land that surrounds
it. The 360-acre island is located off the
west coast of Scotland and the Eriska
House was built in 1884. It was purchased
by the Buchanan-Smith family in 1973, who
converted the residential properties into a
hotel and resort.
Last year, it was sold to the Chinese
company, Creation Gem, headed by
businessman Wayne Rong. Currently,
there are only five residential houses
on the island which are inhabited by
GORDON CARTWRIGHT
the executive management of the team this role compared with what he has done acquired position: “Eriska is incredibly
meaning the island fully and solely runs as before, his meticulous attention to detail and challenging. More than a hotel, more than an
a vacation resort. ability to “see [the] industry from two very estate, Eriska is a remote island that almost
different perspectives” provides him with a needs a mini government rather than a
hotel and restaurant inspector, Wainwright “wider, more balanced view” in his managerial management team to run it.” He continues: “I
believes that despite the uniqueness of approach. He says of his fairly recently can’t imagine another role like it.”
With 13 years experience as a senior AA
ERISKA VIEW FROM GLEN SANDA
40
www.hotelowner.co.uk
September 2017