One of Scotland's top hoteliers is leaving one of the country's most prestigious hotels, it was announced yesterday.
Jeanette Montgomery - nicknamed "mother to the stars" - has spent six years as operations director of Mar Hall Hotel on the Earl of Mar Estate in Bishopton.
In an industry dominated at the higher echelons by men, Ms Montgomery has the distinction of being among the most high-profile females in the business.
During a hotel career spanning nearly 30 years, the Glaswegian has played host to celebrities such as Kylie Minogue, George Clooney and Whitney Houston. Before moving to Mar Hall, she spent 15 years at Glasgow's plush One Devonshire Gardens hotel, which became a favoured stopover for musicians and actors visiting Scotland, and earned her the "mother to the stars" nickname.
Of her decision to leave Mar Hall at the end of the month, she said: "After much deliberating and soul searching, I have decided it is time to balance out my life and - after six happy and exceptionally busy years - I am leaving to pursue other avenues."
Ms Montogomery, who intends to set up her own consultancy business, added: "Earlier this year I decided I had to get my life in balance, and took the difficult decision to leave. I'm now looking forward to being able to spend time travelling and having more of a social life with family and friends. However, I'm not giving up the hotel business entirely. I love it too much to do that. It's given me a great life and good rewards."
Ms Montgomery trained as a hotel manager with Trust House Forte, the empire founded by the late Sir Charles Forte.
She started out in the Excelsior hotel at Glasgow airport and later worked at the Albany which, at the time, was the city's hottest venue for the showbiz set.
