Paul Macdonald

The transaction was led by Paul Macdonald, a partner in Harper Macleod’s corporate team, who has extensive business succession experience advising clients in the hospitality and food & drink sectors.

Originally established in 1786, The Golden Lion Hotel has played host to generations of tourists and has become an integral part of Stirling’s history. One of its most significant guests was Robert Burns, who stayed at the hotel in 1787. During his visit, Burns composed a short poem known as “The Stirling Lines” lamenting the decline of the Stuart monarchy and the ruined state of Stirling Castle.

The poet etched the verse onto a windowpane in his room but later returned to the hotel and smashed the glass, having concerns with the poem’s political message. Though the original pane was lost in a 1949 fire, the story remains an iconic part of the hotel’s legacy.

Following the sale by companies in the Flagship Hotel Group, the hotel is now owned by AGR Hospitality (Stirling) Limited. The buyer, an experienced operator in the hospitality sector, is expected to build on the hotel’s impressive reputation while introducing fresh vision to take the business forward.

Paul Macdonald, who led the legal work on the deal, was supported by Duncan Walker, Aiden Paterson, Caroline Summers, Yvonne Allan and Claire Fowler. Paul Craig and Iain Thomson at Azets provided financial and tax advice.

Mr Macdonald said: “It was a real privilege to be involved in the sale of such an iconic property. The Golden Lion has a unique place in Scottish cultural and literary history, and we were pleased to support a smooth transition to new ownership. We wish Paul Waterson all the best for the future, following his 20 plus years as custodian of The Golden Lion, and look forward to seeing the new owners build on that legacy and take the hotel from strength to strength.”