Jock and Diana Douglas have been visiting Crieff Hydro for decades, and recently had the chance to reminisce about their fond memories at the iconic resort. The couple first visited the hotel together in 1968 and have since introduced four generations of their family to the Strathearn retreat. To celebrate the 56th anniversary of their initial visit, they were invited for afternoon tea with Stephen Leckie, chair and CEO of the Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels, and his wife, Fiona, at the hotel’s Winter Garden Cafe.
Jock, who first visited the hotel in 1946 at the age of 10, fondly remembered his friendship with John Leckie, Stephen’s father and former managing director of Crieff Hydro Hotel. He noted the Leckie family’s enduring dedication across five generations in operating the hotel, a tradition that is increasingly rare in today’s world.
Originally established in 1868 as a hydropathic treatments centre, Crieff Hydro Hotel was a temperance hotel back then, with strict rules against serving alcohol on the premises. Jock reminisced about the bygone days of the ’40s and ’50s when guests had to drink in their rooms as there were no bars in the hotel. Children were served high tea before adults were summoned to dinner at 7pm in the main dining room. Lateness incurred fines, and children were not allowed at dinner but were entertained elsewhere before rejoining for dancing and a grand conga before bedtime.
The resort has evolved over time, now offering a range of entertainment and activities for all ages, including the Riding School, which holds special memories for Jock and Diana. Diana shared an amusing anecdote about their son riding a donkey named Jimmy when he was too small for a horse on one of their early visits.
Having brought four generations of their family to Crieff Hydro and making a tradition of visiting every Easter with their grandchildren, Jock and Diana have seen the hotel grow and evolve over the years. Diana praised the Leckie family for creating a lasting legacy at the resort and expressed their delight in witnessing its continuous development.
Stephen Leckie expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to sit down with the couple and hear their cherished memories of Crieff Hydro. He found their stories captivating and reminiscent of his own childhood experiences around the resort, making his role particularly special. The meeting with Jock and Diana highlighted the personal connections and lasting impact that the hotel has had on generations of visitors.
This heartwarming gathering showcased the enduring charm and evolution of Crieff Hydro Hotel through the eyes of guests who have frequented the resort for over half a century. The stories shared by Jock and Diana emphasised the family-friendly legacy and the timeless appeal of this historic Scottish destination.