As General Manager of the stunning Pine Trees Hotel in Pitlochry, David is bringing the family along for the ride. With the opportunity to take on a new rural location in the heart of Perthshire came a move for David from Oban for not just him, but his fiancé Lauren and young daughter Catherine.
Originally from the small island of Tiree in the Inner Hebrides, David’s career in hospitality has taken him around Scotland.
“I first became a general manager in 2009 and have moved up and down to various small boutique properties before moving on to the restaurant industry,” says David. “Scotland has so much to offer, and I just love introducing people to its beauty. Aside from the stunning scenery and wildlife, we have some of the best local produce around – not to mention the whisky.”
With such a passion for locally grown produce and drinks pairings, it’s no surprise that David turned his hand to restaurant ownership in Oban.
The fine-dining eatery, Etive, was a joint venture with David and his business partner and the restaurant first opened its doors to customers in 2018, before going on to feature in the Michelin guide.
The restaurant was a hit with locals and its ethos was a personal experience with carefully cooked ingredients from Scotland’s land and lochs – something David and the whole team want to recreate at Pine Trees.
“I’m passionate about flavour combinations and excellent food and drink pairings – I want to bring it all to Pine Trees,” he says. “With so much fantastic produce on our doorstep, we hope to bring Perthshire on a plate!”
The move from Oban to Perthshire was exciting for David and his young family, who have settled well in the grand grounds. With her bright red hair and cheeky smile, Catherine is Pine Tree’s very own Katie Morag!
“Catherine loves it here,” he says. “It’s the biggest adventure garden she’s ever seen!”
As Pine Trees is home to David and his family, he wants to create the same feeling of welcome for guests. Being greeted with great hospitality is something that’s of the upmost importance to him.
“I am striving to bring overwhelming hospitality to Pine Trees. The minute a guest walks through the doors, they’ll feel immediately welcome,” he says.
And that hospitality doesn't stop with David. Five-year-old Catherine has also set up home within the Victorian walls and has taken after her dad.
“Catherine loves playing host and has been known to check guests in and show them to their rooms. But she’s not afraid to get stuck in behind the scenes too and has been helping to plant Thyme in our living roof as well as various other jobs within the hotel.”
As a fully trained sommelier, wine is a big passion of David’s and guests can expect a fantastic selection when they come to dine, as well as expert opinions and advice.
"A wine list is a refection of the sommelier so expect great things from Pine Trees,” he laughs. “I’m a lover of the classics on any wine list. While there is still room for innovation and modernisation and new ways to produce wine, the classics still shine through. A wine list should be a living document that grows and develops and I’m excited to get started.”
