By Ralph Barnett

The multimillion-POUND transformation of a caravan site on the outskirts of Arbroath into what its owners hope will help make the town one of Scotland’s top tourist destinations was unveiled at the weekend.

The Seaton Estate Holiday Park is the creation of Crown Parks co-directors Cresswell Welch and Bill Green who, on acquiring the 60-acre site in April last year, pledged to turn it into one of the finest holiday complexes in the country.

Mr Welch—whose independent company Welch Homes operates a number of residential parks around the country, including sites at Kirriemuir, St Cyrus and two at Crieff —said, “We are absolutely delighted with what we have achieved here at Seaton Estate and look forward to sharing it with both holidaymakers and the general public of Arbroath and further afield.

“The finished product, as anyone who comes up to visit us and try out the facilities will see for themselves, is of the highest quality and we and our permanent and part-time staff are now gearing up for what we believe will be a very successful summer.”

Special guest for the opening weekend at Seaton Estate was veteran Scottish stand-up comic Andy Cameron, who said he was impressed with what he had seen and was reminded of his own childhood holidays in Arbroath.

He said, “It’s an absolute pleasure to have been invited up to Arbroath to help Cresswell and Bill launch this new venture. The park is in a wonderful setting and I’m sure it will be a great success and I’m look forward to coming back.

“When I was just a young boy, maybe nine or 10 years old, we used to come to Arbroath for family holidays in the summer and I have very fond memories of the people and the area.”

The centrepiece of the redevelopment of what had been a slightly run-down touring and static caravan site is the total restoration and refurbishment of Seaton House, the 200-year-old mansion house which forms the centrepiece of the Seaton Estate Holiday Park.

Mr Welch said, “We saw the potential the house had when we first arrived and no expense has been spared in bringing out its full potential.

“The mansion house and the adjacent former stable block now contain our state of the art country club and spa complex and our swimming pool will be ready for use very soon.

“I would stress that all the facilities at the Seaton Estate will be available not only for our guests but also for the general public who can either join the country club and enjoy the added benefits of membership or simply turn up and pay as they go.

“Within the complex we have a restaurant serving the best of Scottish food, a function suite which can cater for 275 people and which will be hosting regular live music and other entertainment—with free entry to the public and guests —and several licensed bars, including our family-friendly Irish-themed pub.

“The health suite has everything anyone could ask for in relaxation with a spa bath, steam room and sauna, and our trained therapists will be on hand to offer a range of massage and beauty treatments.”