Stephen is Chairman and Chief Executive of Crieff Hydro and the fifth generation of his family to run this hotel and estate since the doors opened on Scotland’s maiden hydropathic establishment in 1868. The company is now the oldest trading registered company in Scotland. Since taking the helm in 1994, Stephen has marshalled more than £60 million of investment to transform the property into a true leisure resort which competes on the international stage.

Due to expansion the company now owns or manages 9 hotels to include a £6 million refurbishment of Peebles Hydro and a further £3 million earmarked for the portfolio. Later this month the company will be opening their own Gin Distillery and School in Peebles – it will be the biggest School in Britain.

Stephen is an active member of the UK Hospitality Association and former Chairman of the Scotland Committee. He also chairs the Tourism Leadership Group and is a recipient of numerous awards for his outstanding contribution to the industry.

After being a Deputy Lieutenant for Perth and Kinross since 2012 Stephen was appointed Lord-Lieutenant in July. He is also President of the Perthshire Chamber of Commerce.

His varied interests include classic cars and land rovers, piping, skiing, trials biking and sailing.

The Club was shown a very entertaining and interesting lap top presentation. A hearty vote of thanks was extended to Stephen by his former Strathallan History Teacher, Brian Raine who presented him with a copy of Hitler’s”Mein Kampf”.