The award-winning Ardeonaig Hotel in Highland Perthshire has been placed in administration and the staff made redundant.
The Courier revealed on Thursday that South African proprietor, Pete Gottgens, had cut his ties with the business on which £1.6 million is thought to have been spent carrying out a refurbishment.
Companies House has now confirmed that Manchester-based recovery specialists, Zolfo Cooper, have been appointed administrators of Ardeonaig Hotel Limited and charged with finding a buyer.
The upmarket hotel on the banks of Loch Tay employs 10 staff, almost all of whom have been laid off.
Following appointment, the administrators continued to trade the business with a view to selling it as a going concern.
However, in order to protect the future of the company as a viable business for potential buyers, they have ceased trading for the winter as of this week with the intention of re-opening next spring.
Anne O’Keefe of Zolfo Cooper said, “Unfortunately, the business has experienced severe cash flow difficulties, which combined with a tough trading environment has led to the need for administration.
“We’re considering all possible options for the future of the business and are hopeful of finding a buyer.
“However, in order to ensure the viability of the business for prospective buyers, we have no option but to cease trading over the quieter winter period.
“We regret that we are left with no choice but to lay off the workforce for this period-however, we will look to resume trading next year.”
Mr Gottgens, who was head chef as well as owner, has made a name for himself as a South African version of Gordon Ramsay, with guests and restaurant critics regularly hearing his shouts booming out of the kitchen.
He also set up Scotland’s first vineyard 800 vines over two acres to produce a white dessert wine.
He is a former personal chef to Nelson Mandela and won a bronze medal at the Scottish Chef Awards two years ago.