Edinburgh’s Tynecastle Park Hotel scores first general manager

Edinburgh’s Tynecastle Park has appointed a new hotel manager to lead the UK’s first club-owned and club operated hotel within a football stadium.

Scottish Premiership football club, Heart of Midlothian, recently announced its plans to launch the 25-bedroom hotel and events space in the west of the city this winter.

Derek Paterson, 40, will lead an in-house team to manage the new Tynecastle Park Hotel, which is totally integrated within the main stand at the iconic Tynecastle Park.

With over 24 years’ hotel and hospitality management experience, Mr Paterson will oversee all aspects of the Tynecastle Park Hotel launch. He will subsequently manage all areas of the hotel’s business, including managing the transition of the well-established Skyline Restaurant to a seven day per week operation.

Previously Hotel Manager for Dakota Hotels in Edinburgh, Mr Paterson also has extensive experience in banqueting and food and beverage management gained from his time at Edinburgh’s Carlton Hotel and Westerwood Hotel.

Commenting on his appointment as the first hotel manager of the new Tynecastle Park Hotel, Derek Paterson said:

“I’m really excited to be taking on this new challenge as Hearts celebrates its 150^th anniversary in 2024.

“Our in-house hospitality team will be wholly responsible for running the hotel. As the only hotel of its kind to be found anywhere in the UK, we’re confident of being able to offer a truly unique hotel experience in our iconic Tynecastle Park Stadium – the home of Heart of Midlothian Football Club.”

The new Tynecastle Park Hotel, which provides easy access to the city centre, Edinburgh Airport, Murrayfield Stadium and the Edinburgh tram line, is hoping to attract not only football supporters but also visitors looking for high quality, contemporary accommodation as part of an Edinburgh city break.

With a choice of six new dedicated meeting and conference spaces, the hotel will also provide bespoke facilities for the corporate market and business travellers.

Mr Paterson added:

“Here at Tynecastle we’re focussed on delivering a world-class guest experience through a top team of hospitality professionals.  We’re committed to investing in our people and providing long-term career, development and training opportunities for those who share our passion for top-class hospitality.”

Graeme Pacitti, Head of Hospitality and Catering Operations at Tynecastle Park, said:

“We’re delighted to welcome Derek to the team as our first hotel manager. He brings with him over 20 years of hospitality management experience, as well as the drive, enthusiasm and personality we’re looking for, so we’re confident he’s the right person for this exciting new role.

“We look forward to working with Derek to launch the hotel this winter and help build the reputation of Tynecastle Park as one of Edinburgh’s leading hotels.”

For more information on vacancies and career opportunities at Tynecastle Park Hotel, click here. 

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For more information about Heart of Midlothian Football Club visit www.heartsfc.co.uk