THE owners of the Uplawmoor Hotel have put the historic venue up for sale.

Stuart and Emma Peacock are calling time on their 25-year stint at the helm of the 18th century hotel.

The husband-and-wife team decided to put the property on the market as they consider their future plans.

Hailing from a family with a strong background in the hospitality sector, Stuart said he is unsure what his next move will be.

His mother, Rena McKay, followed in her father’s and grandfather’s footsteps by taking over the Fereneze Inn, in Barrhead.

Stuart’s father, Ian, was also a well-known face in the town from his days managing both the Brig Inn and the Arthurlie Inns.

At the age of 50, Stuart insists he is “a little young” for retirement.

He said: “It’s so difficult to think about what might be next after you’ve been involved with something like this for so long.

“Following a very successful year, with a new executive housing development bringing many new regulars to the hotel, we can report an increased bar trade and the rooms are also a lot busier.

“That said, we are aware that the selling market for small businesses is currently very slow.”

Stuart and Emma, 49, have welcomed a number of famous faces to the hotel over the years.

The couple count Rab C Nesbitt star Gregor Fisher as a frequent visitor to the hotel’s bar, while Paisley singer Paolo Nutini has also been known to pop in for a pint.

Stuart has paid tribute to the various members of staff he has worked beside over the years.

He said: “We’ve been able to watch them blossom and develop their future careers in the wider industry.

“For example, one of our previous managers is now a five-star resort manager in the US. Several others have taken the plunge into self-employment and are now running their own businesses.”