Elgin's Eight Acres Hotel will close to the public to house asylum seekers
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MEMBERS of an Elgin gym have been ‘shocked’ to receive news of its closure, less than a year after it re-opened to the public, with the facility set to be used to house asylum seekers.
The Eight Acres Hotel and Spa informed members via email on Wednesday that the leisure club and spa facilities will be closing from this Sunday (April 30).
As of today (Thursday), it was unclear what impact the move would have on the rest of the hotel, although, the business’ website would not allow room bookings for the next 12 months.
The hotel confirmed the gym, which reopened to the public last summer following the Covid pandemic, and the hotel pool, which opened just five months ago, will no longer be available to the public.
Moray Council confirmed this afternoon the Home Office will be using the hotel to house asylum seekers.
A Moray Council spokesperson said: “Moray Council and Health & Social Care Moray are working closely with the Home Office and their accommodation providers, Mears, on a request to support asylum seekers arriving in Moray over coming weeks. A number of locations around the UK are supporting the wider UK Government strategy and our resettlement teams have the knowledge and experience to assist in Moray.
“While Moray Council has no direct responsibility for the asylum accommodation, we’re involved with the oversight group ensuring that our communities, services, and community planning partners are fully involved both to provide help, and to respond to any local issues or concerns. Our team will remain involved for as long as is necessary to support those requiring help in Moray.”
In an email to members, Eight Acres said: “We write to inform you that due to an exclusive use booking of Eight Acres Hotel and Spa the leisure club and spa facilities will be closing to all members and public from Sunday April 30 at 12 noon.
“We understand that this will be disappointing to hear as the club has recently returned to full operation following the closure due to Covid-19 and completed significant works to the pool and spa pool.”
The hotel urged those who had paid monthly direct debits to cancel them, and reassured customers with prepaid memberships that they would be refunded for unused time. The team also thanked members for their ongoing support. As of October 2022, the Eight Acres had around 450 members, who utilised the gym, pool, sauna and spa facilities at the hotel.
They appeared to be shocked and confused by the abrupt closure.
One said: “Us paying members are in shock, no notice, no warning, just an email.” Another added: “Four days notice, it seems a strange situation. What about locals who are having their facility snatched away at such short notice?”
