21.01.09 WEDDING DAY PLANS HIT BY HOTEL CASH CRISIS

 Hopes a bride-to-be had of a dream wedding turned into a nightmare - after the hotel where she planned to hold the reception was plunged into financial difficulties.

Businesswoman Rhonda Wilson is due to marry forklift truck engineer Gordon Loughlan on June 26.

They planned to exchange vows at Hamilton Town House and hold their reception at the Popinjay, Rosebank.

However, on December 9 last year the hotel - which has a staff of 50 - was put into administration after the credit crunch led to a dip in trade and cash-flow problems.

Since then, the hotel has continued to trade while efforts are made to sell the complex as a going concern.

Joint administrator Derek Forsyth, of Glasgow accountants Campbell Dallas, said last month that it would be 'sensible' for any purchaser of the hotel to honour bookings made, although no guarantees could be given.

However, Rhonda, of Craigneuk, Wishaw, has decided to find a new venue for the reception even though she is likely to lose the deposit she paid to the Popinjay.

'I learned about the hotel's problems from a friend who read in the local press about how it had been placed in administration.

'My fear was that if the hotel was not sold for two or three months and the new owners failed to honour my booking, I might be in position just a short time before my wedding of having nowhere to hold my reception.'

Derek Forsyth said they had been contacted by a small number of people who, like Rhonda, had made bookings for functions at the Popinjay.

'We are sympathetic to the situation they find themselves in,' he added.

'We hope to be able to conclude a sale that would enable the purchasers to take forward these bookings, but we cannot guarantee that.'

Mr Forsyth said a number of potential buyers had viewed the 34-bedroom hotel which also has a bar, function suite and health club.

There has been a number of expressions of interest, many from established hotel chains.

He was confident that they would get offers for the Popinjay by the closing date, January 23.

He added: 'The hotel is still trading as normal and the staff are still there and we remain impressed by their commitment and approach to these difficult circumstances.'

Publication: Wishaw Press
Date: 21st January