40-bed luxury spa hotel vision emerges for old Montrose Infirmary
Ambitious plans have been revealed to transform the former Montrose Infirmary into a 40-bedroom boutique hotel and spa. Town regeneration group ProMo has released its vision for the A-listed building, which closed in 2018 after serving the town for nearly two centuries.
Since then, the infirmary has been the target of vandals and failed to find a new owner after being offered for sale. But new images of the Castlehill Hotel and Spa project show how the spectacular property overlooking Montrose Basin could become a gateway venue.
ProMo has stressed the infirmary concept is at its early feasibility stage. However, the charity hopes the idea will spark positive conversations around the infirmary’s future and its wider work to revitalise Montrose town centre.
Castlehill creates a destination wellness and heritage hospitality venue, unique to Montrose, Angus and lower Aberdeenshire.
ProMo chairman and town architect David Paton revealed the charity has been working alongside Crawford Architecture and CHAP Construction to develop the initial concept and business plan.
Their vision is a high-quality hospitality destination incorporating hotel accommodation, thermal spa facilities, a gym, treatment rooms, conference facilities, wedding and function space, and a destination restaurant and bar. It would be unique to Montrose and lower Aberdeenshire.
ProMo says the proposal has been developed in response to growing demand for quality visitor accommodation in Montrose, particularly as activity at Montrose Port continues to expand.
Major offshore wind and renewable energy projects are drawing increasing numbers of contractors, consultants and business visitors to the area. The group believes the project could offer much more than simply additional accommodation.
Mr Paton said:
“There has been discussion in the past about lodge-style accommodation linked to port activity.
“We wanted to explore whether there was an opportunity to create something that would serve a much wider market and remain resilient for decades to come.
“A destination hotel and spa in the heart of Montrose could support business visitors, tourism, golf breaks, weddings, conferences and wellness tourism.
“It would also bring a prominent historic building back into productive use.”
The initial concept includes around 40 hotel bedrooms, a thermal spa featuring a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and treatment facilities, conference and meeting rooms, a function suite and a destination restaurant overlooking the Basin.
Research undertaken as part of the business planning process identified a significant gap in the local market. While Montrose has several established hotels, none currently offer the proposed facilities in a heritage setting. ProMo hopes the project could create around 40 jobs and boost visitor numbers to the town.
“The project remains at an early feasibility stage and no funding has yet been secured,” said Mr Paton.
Discussions have taken place with the current owner, who has been supportive of exploring potential future uses for the building.
Mr Paton said the charity aims to continue refining the business case. It will include engaging with potential partners, investors and stakeholders over the coming months.
“We are seeking investors, developers and operators who may be keen to take on this project and deliver much needed restoration and reactivation of this key heritage building in Montrose,” said Mr Paton.
Since being established in 2023, ProMo has revitalised several town centre units for new tenants and pop-up use.
Last November it also announced plans for a residential and leisure development on the site of the empty former High Street M&Co store.
This article appeared in the Courier on 17 June 2026