Current owner Simon Cruickshank, now set to retire after 20 years of successful trading sells to his namesake

The Ship Inn, an, historic and picturesque, traditional hostelry with eleven letting bedrooms which sits on Stonehaven harbourside, has been sold for an undisclosed sum by its long-term proprietor, Simon Cruickshank who is now set to enjoy a well-earned retirement.

And remarkably, its new owner, is another Simon Cruickshank, no relation, the owner of three highly successful Aberdeen hospitality venues, The Albyn Bar & Restaurant, The Cults Hotel, and The Bieldside Inn.

And just to maintain the namesake theme, the new owner is himself the son of long-established Aberdeen publican, Simon Cruickshank Snr.

The Ship Inn, whose origins go back to 1771, is formed in three distinct, interlinked sections comprising the original building which accommodates the lounge bar and six en-suite letting bedrooms.

A modern extension which contains the highly rated Captain’s Table, a 38-cover restaurant which specialises in seafood, as well as a further five en-suite letting bedrooms, and an extension to the rear of the original building containing customer toilets, a utility room and a staff locker room.

A lounge bar, with seating for 50 guests, fitted and finished in a traditional style with a nod to the nautical heritage of the building, offers a range of refreshments, with an open fire in winter, and a sun terrace overlooking the harbour where seating is provided for 32 around several fixed tables.

Stuart Johnston, a partner in the Aberdeen office of DM Hall, one of Scotland’s largest independent firms of chartered surveyors, oversaw the successful sales process. He said: “Scotland’s licensed trade has faced some considerable headwinds in recent years on top of some difficult local economic conditions here in the North East.

“Despite this, the sale process attracted very strong interest, mainly from a range of private operators who recognised the unique opportunity to acquire a successful, well managed business in a fantastic harbourside location.

“It was even more pleasing to see the property being acquired by a successful local operator which will undoubtedly mark an exciting new chapter for this already successful business under Simon’s leadership.”

Vendor, Simon Cruickshank, said: “I’m sure the Ship Inn will be in very capable hands. I wish them great success and hope they will be happy here.

“I also want to thank all our loyal regular customers who have supported the Ship – quite a few from well before my time here – and all the thousands of visitors from all over the world who have stayed here and sampled our hospitality. “The Ship Inn is a very special place and it has been my great privilege to own it for 21 years. I wish the new owners and all the staff great success for the future.”

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