CrieffHydro

=Crieff Hydro Limited=

Company Number: SC000268 Date of Incorporation: 23 April 1867 Contact Details: Crieff Hydro Hotel, Ferntower Road, Crieff, Perthshire, PH7 3LQ Operating Details: Active Other names (if known): Strathearn Hydropathic Establishment Co Ltd (1868-1968) Strathearn Hydro Limited (1968-1985) Function of Company*: Hotels and Motels with (or without) restaurant (5510) Headquarters/Base of Operations Location: Crieff Area of Operation: Crieff


 * Taken from Standard Industrial Classification 2003, as used by Companies House in 2010

Records
Held By: Privately held. Catalogue available at the National Register of Archives for Scotland, NRAS3860

Scope/type: Minutes, 1867-1987; annual reports, 1870-1998; board papers, 1867-1998; accounts, 1867-1984; personnel records, 1935-65; administrative records, 1928-93; advertising material, 1867-1995. Strathearn Steam Laundry Co Ltd: minutes, 1902-71; reports, 1941-65.

Conditions governing access/use: These records are held privately, and their access is restricted. All enquiries should be addressed to The Registrar, National Register of Archives for Scotland, HM General Register House, Edinburgh, EH1 3YY

Related records:

Company History
The Strathearn Hydropathic Establishment Company Limited was incorporated in Edinburgh as a Limited Company on 23rd April 1867. The Strathearn Hydropathic hotel was built in the next year and proved to be in a prime position to take advantage of the flourishing Hydropathic movement. The first Physician and Manager was Dr. Thomas H. Meikle, who had agreed to transfer the goodwill of the Loch-Head Hydropathic Establishment, Aberdeen, built-up over the previous sixteen years to the newly established Hydro in Crieff. A very strict and even austere atmosphere prevailed in the early years, with guests expected to attend meals punctually, with tardiness came the prospect of a contribution to the "fine-box".

However the hotel was obviously successful, and managed to pay a dividend of 7% or better for nearly the whole of the period up until 1914, with the occasional bad year. From 1876 the austerity of the hotel was balanced by the building of a recreation room, gymnasium, billiard room and bowling alley for guests to use. There were also frequent entertainments put on in the evening. One visitor in 1881 remarked upon the musical performances, mock trials and elections and tableux vivants that he witnessed and took part in during his stay. Dr Meikle obviously contributed to this success, as by 1874 his salary had increased to £500 P.A. with free board and lodging.

Although the Hydropathic movement generally waned in Scotland in the years before and after the First World War, Crieff continued to thrive. Between 1919 and 1939 it paid a dividend between 7% and 9% annually as other hotels struggled in years of depression and recession (only Peebles could match it out of the Scottish hydrotherapy hotels). During this time the managing family (the Leckies, descendents of Dr Meikle) bought more shares to retain greater control of the affairs of the company. In August 1968 there was a change of name as approved by Special Resolution, to Strathearn Hydro Limited. The company became the Crieff Hydro Limited on 2nd July 1985, and the hotel similarly became known as the Crieff Hydro.

The Hydro was based very much on the belief that guests should not only be able to enjoy the many Victorian water cures on offer but should also be provided with spiritual sustenance. In fact, the Hydro retains strong links with the Church of Scotland through its Smieton and Paton Funds, whereby eligible members of the clergy can enjoy a stay at the Hydro at subsidised rates. The strong temperance ethics of the Hydropathic movement were much evidence until very recently, and it wasn't until as late as 1983 that the Hydro ceased to be dry. The Hydro still retains a strong family tradition, with the current Managing Director a descendent of the original founder Dr. Meikle.

With thanks to the NRAS and Mr John Mauchline at the Hydro for their permission to reproduce this material