The Independent Hotel Show recently set sail for a behind-the-scenes tour of Fingal, Edinburgh’s luxurious floating hotel and former Northern Lighthouse Board vessel.

In a conversation with Franck Bruyère, Director of Hospitality, and Casey Rust, Marketing Director, we discussed the ship’s transformation from working vessel to luxury hospitality offering, the hotel’s ongoing evolution and new restaurant extension, and its contribution to Edinburgh’s rapidly growing tourism offering.  

From its storied history to its modern-day commitment to sustainability and personalised guest experiences, Fingal embodies the perfect blend of heritage and luxury, making it a standout destination in the independent hotel sector.

A unique heritage

“Fingal is unique in many, many different ways,” begins Bruyère, as we begin by taking a look back at the ship’s history. Once the backbone of the Northern Lighthouse Board fleet, Fingal supplied and maintained lighthouses across Scotland and the Isle of Man whilst based in Oban.

As lighthouses gradually moved from being manned to automation, the fleet of ships required to service them was reduced and this, along with her aging diesel engine, meant that Fingal was ultimately decommissioned. She was, however, saved from the scrapyard through an intervention from the patron of the Norther Lighthouse Board.

“Anne, Princess Royal, who has been a patron of the Northern Lighthouse Board since 1993, was instrumental in saving the ship. She wanted to preserve it,” Bruyère explains. Fingal found a new owner in Cornwall, but its fate remained uncertain until 2014, when Bob Downie, Chief Executive of The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, saw the potential for transformation.

“Bob had seen Fingal all his life growing up in Oban. He envisioned aligning it with The Royal Yacht Britannia to create a unique hospitality and tourism offering,” says Bruyère.

The result was a stunning 22-cabin luxury floating hotel that opened its doors to the public in 2019 after being inaugurated in 2018. Following a pandemic-induced pause, Fingal has emerged as a thriving hub for luxury experiences and one of the Scottish capital’s leading independent hotels.

Elevating luxury

A cornerstone of Fingal’s appeal is its culinary offering, as popular with Edinburgh locals as it is with residents. The aptly named Lighthouse Restaurant celebrates Scotland’s finest produce and the sea-faring heritage of the hotel.

“The dining option celebrates local produce. It's about excellence in cooking, creating experiences, and discovery,” says Bruyère. The menu is dynamic, evolving constantly to reflect guest feedback and culinary trends. “We listen, we tweak, and we reinvent. Inclusivity is also at the heart of what we do; catering to every dietary requirement is essential,” he explains, adding that his background as a chef adds to his passion for ensuring every dietary need is not only catered to, but offering menu options fitting a luxury hotel.

The popularity of the restaurant among non-residents has spurred a renovation to expand its capacity explains Bruyère, adding: “What do you do when you’re full? You extend!”

This ethos of continuous improvement extends beyond the restaurant. “Luxury today is not about gold taps; it’s about authenticity and a genuine experience,” Bruyère argues. From exploring the engine room, still diesel-stained from its years of hard graft, to discovering logbooks from 1963, guests are immersed in Fingal’s heritage while enjoying a personalised service that epitomises modern luxury.

Sustainability anchored in hospitality

Sustainability is not just a buzzword at Fingal; it’s a guiding principle. “On a scale of one to 10, sustainability is a 10 for us,” says Bruyère. The hotel has a dedicated Guest Experience and Environmental Manager and a voluntary Green Committee, underscoring its commitment to eco-friendly practices, with a Green Key accreditation proudly displayed at the entrance.

From being 100% LED-lit to growing a meadow and replanting Christmas trees for reuse, Fingal leads by example and has built strong partnerships in the local community.

“We’re lucky to have a road map and partnerships with local organisations like the Water of Leith Conservation Trust, Leith Community Croft, and Royal Botanic Garden,” Bruyère shares. The team’s efforts have earned recognition within the industry, with Green Key inviting Fingal to serve as a case study for sustainable practices in hospitality.

Bruyère sees sustainability as deeply intertwined with hospitality: “For me, it’s about people and behaviour. Delivering a service sustainably is doing it the best possible way.”

Retention through culture

Recruitment and retention remain challenges in the hospitality industry, yet Fingal has cultivated an environment where team members thrive.

“It wouldn't be fair for me to say there’s a magic recipe, but we’ve always had a deep willingness to do more. It sounds clichéd, but if you take care of your team, they will take care of your guests,” says Bruyère. He notes that when he first joined the hotel, Fingal and The Royal Yacht Britainnia hosted a long-service dinner for staff and a third of the company was in attendance.

The company’s culture is built on care and investment, with benefits like a 10% non-contributory pension, real living wages as a minimum, an additional week of holidays and policies adapted to specific populations of the crew.

“We recruit for attitude and train for skills, there’s that culture that's been built up over a number of years.” Rust adds. The result is a team driven by passion and loyalty, creating an exceptional experience for guests.

Bridging tourism and hospitality

Located in Leith, a bustling port area in the north of Edinburgh, Fingal benefits from the city’s ever-popular reputation as a tourist destination while carving its own niche.

“We’re not the typical hotel,” Bruyère explains. “Our segmentation is very much UK-led, but we also attract people with maritime ties and those looking for a unique story.”

The city’s evolution, including improved connectivity like a tram extension which has connected Leith to the city centre, has bolstered Fingal’s appeal. “Guests now see us as a base to explore Edinburgh and beyond,” Bruyère notes.

Collaboration within Edinburgh’s hospitality and tourism sectors also plays a pivotal role. “We share data with other attractions.” Rust says. “If Edinburgh succeeds as a city, we all benefit.”

As Fingal continues to grow, its focus remains on staying true to its DNA while adapting to market demands. “It’s about knowing your product and having fun. We’ve had lessons to learn, but we keep setting trends and trialling new ideas,” Bruyère reflects.

For independent hoteliers, Fingal serves as a beacon, proving that a strong narrative, commitment to excellence, and authentic experiences can captivate guests and drive success. By embracing heritage, sustainability, and innovation, Fingal exemplifies the potential of independent hotels to leave a lasting impression for guests in an ever-evolving industry.

To keep up to date with all the latest news, interviews and industry insight, subscribe to the Independent Hotel Show newsletter. Find out more about Fingal’s unique luxury hospitality offering at fingal.co.uk.