Ravelston Hotel boss steps in to save OAPs’ Eskmills party

The annual community lunch, organised by Hickory (Scotland) Limited, at the Eskmills venue, on Station Road, was cancelled after it was announced that the company had entered administration.

But Dean Ivinson, owner of the Ravelston House Hotel on the town’s North High Street, has stepped in to save the day, saying he will host the free event as planned this Tuesday.

The lunch, organised by Hickory for more than seven years, was expected to be attended by more than 250 people this year.

Attendees were to be treated to a three-course Christmas dinner, music and raffle prizes donated by local businesses and community members.

Mr Ivinson said that, depending on numbers, if the party were full, another one could potentially be organised at the Ravelston, which can accommodate 150 people.

“I know it’s a popular event and it might be the only time people get out to have a nice Christmas dinner,” said Mr Ivinson.

“We will be doing a three-course Christmas menu, glass of wine, a raffle, music and there will be a singer.”

READ MORE: Concerns as catering and events company Hickory enters administration

He said that he was trying to get in touch with as many of the original attendees as possible and urged them to get in touch.

Not so fortunate is Musselburgh’s Honest Toun’s Association (HTA), which runs the annual Musselburgh Festival and was due to hold a Burns supper at Eskmills Venue.

Sharon Brown, of the HTA, said: “We had an event booked for the HTA [with Hickory] and had paid £6,600 for this.

“It was meant to be our flagship event for this coming year.

“It could potentially be even more of a loss to us as people have paid for tickets that we will need to refund, so this is a loss of over £10,000 to us, which is a massive blow.

“We are a not-for-profit community organisation and we work really hard to raise funds, so we are devastated at such a potential loss.”

Organisers of an upcoming charity ball have also lost thousands of pounds due to the collapse of Hickory, but at least have managed to source an alternative venue.

READ MORE: Charity ball in memory of friends left £4,000 down

Opus Restructuring & Insolvency announced last Friday that Mark Harper and Charles Turner had been appointed as joint administrators of Hickory (Scotland) Limited, which went into administration last Wednesday.

It is not known how many jobs may have been lost at Hickory, which was established in 2012.

Doubts have also been cast as to whether other events it had organised would still go ahead, including wedding receptions.

A statement issued by the administrators said: “The company experienced a period of poor trading and margins as a result of Covid, which led to temporary closures of sites and further financial pressure.

“Working capital requirements became a pressing issue, due in no small part to high levels of inflation, interest rates and the cost of living crisis. Turnover during the course of last year peaked at £5.6m.

“As the levels of activity started to recover in early 2024, the company had a growing funding requirement.

“However despite the best efforts of the directors, the business faced a range of cash flow challenges in recent weeks and could not continue trading.”

Mr Harper, partner for Opus Restructuring & Insolvency, said: “We are working closely with the directors and a number of stakeholders to ensure continuity of forthcoming events [which had been organised by Hickory].

“We are actively seeking the sale of the business and would encourage any interested party to contact us – edinburgh@opusllp.com”

Hickory is one of about 85 businesses occupying 12 buildings at Eskmills, which dates back to 1812, when its factory complex was once the world’s largest manufacturer of fish nets.

An announcement on the Eskmills website said: “We are deeply saddened at the announcement that our tenant, Hickory, the operator of Eskmills Conference and Events Venue, has been placed into administration. This is a difficult situation for all involved and our thoughts are with the Hickory team as they navigate this challenging time.

“We want to reassure the public and all stakeholders that we are working closely with all parties involved to find the best possible outcome. We are committed to providing ongoing support as the situation evolves to ensure Eskmills Venue continues to thrive.”

Colin Beattie, MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, said: “This is deeply disappointing news for the staff at Hickory, many of whom now face an uncertain future. Hickory has been a well-loved local business and have played an integral role in events across East Lothian, including the Eskmills Venue for many years.

“One immediate concern was the future of the community Christmas lunch at Eskmills; however, I am pleased that Ravelston House will be stepping in to ensure it can take place this year. This tradition brings so much joy to the locals during the festive season and I am grateful to Ravelston House and their staff.

“My thoughts are with Hickory’s employees and their families at this time.”

Carol Edmond, organiser of Musselburgh Over 50s Club, said that a number of members were due to enjoy the annual community lunch but she received communication from the administrators saying that the company would be unable to provide the catering service for the event.

“We look forward to this outing once a year,” she said. “It is a chance to get together and enjoy Christmas. It was a lovely treat for pensioners at Christmas.

“Having a gathering of 200 or 300 people was so exciting for everyone, with a fantastic raffle and music to keep us going all day as well as a free three-course dinner.”

She said it was “absolutely excellent” that the Ravelston hoped to run this year’s event for people, including 30 members of the Over 50’s Club.

The Courier understands that residents in three sheltered housing developments at Well Wynd in Tranent, and Mansfield Court and Brunton Court in Musselburgh, were also “looking forward” to the party and were disappointed on hearing it might not go ahead.

Musselburgh ward councillor Cher Cassini said of Hickory’s demise: “I am saddened beyond words.

“My heart goes out to those who’ve not only lost their jobs, but have not been paid for the work they have already done.

“I don’t know what kind of income security these people had; few people could manage to lose out on their next pay day, much less not have a job to go to.”

Before hearing of the Ravelston House Hotel’s plans to take over the OAPs’ lunch, she said she was “deeply sorry for all the pensioners, ex-service persons and disabled people” impacted.

“Providing this event was a lovely thing for Hickory to do,” she added.

“I really hope that the Eskmills venue is able to be managed by another business, who would continue to deliver the service provided by Hickory.”

Councillor Shona McIntosh, also a ward member, added: “This is another sad blow to Musselburgh. Hickory has made huge contributions to the community over the years not only through their popular Christmas lunch events but with their really amazing efforts over the pandemic to provide food for people stuck at home. They will be sorely missed and I wish all their staff well for the future.”

Chris Murray, MP for Edinburgh East & Musselburgh, added: “Eskmills Venue is a wonderful venue at the heart of Musselburgh and I am saddened that the catering and event company Hickory is going into administration.

“If any constituents have any concerns about how they will be impacted, I would be happy to help where I can.”

Another East Lothian venue, Whitekirk Hill, is offering 25 per cent off venue hire in light of the “sad news” regarding Hickory.

It posted on its Facebook page: “We understand how devastating it can be for couples and clients affected by a sudden venue closure. To help those impacted, we are offering 25 per cent off venue hire for any weddings or events booked with us.

“If your plans have been disrupted, please don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re here to help make your special day unforgettable. Our flexible event space is ideal for weddings, proms, conferences, charity events and much more!”

Groups that had been due to attend the OAPs’ lunch at Eskmills Venue are urged to contact the Ravelston’s events team via enquiries@ravelstonhouse.co.uk or telephone 0131 665 2478.