“A learning curve,” Kim Murray says on working with husband Andy Murray for new TV series

Key Takeaways

• Kim Murray described collaborating with husband Andy Murray as “a fascinating process – and a learning curve!” during the major renovation of Cromlix Hotel.
• Channel 4 commissioning editor Emily Shields praised the project as “a rare glimpse behind the scenes of a business where no detail is overlooked.”
• Producer James Rogan said the documentary “captures Kim and Andy’s contrasting instincts, ambitions and sense of humour” as they revamped the luxury Scottish venue.

Inside the major transformation of Cromlix Hotel

A new 3-part observational documentary is set to bring viewers behind the scenes as tennis legend Andy Murray and his wife Kim navigate an ambitious multi-million-pound redevelopment of their five-star Scottish business.

Filmed over almost an entire year, the documentary Our Scottish Hotel details the extensive refurbishment of the luxury Cromlix Hotel in Dunblane. The property closed its doors for 5 months earlier this year so the couple and their 80-strong team could oversee the construction of a modern extension housing extra bedrooms and the Garden Room restaurant, a woodland spa area, and a fine dining restaurant named Cradle, situated in what was once the home’s original family dining room.

Comparison table

A creative partnership and new direction

The project marked a completely new collaborative milestone for the couple, who had never teamed up professionally on a venture of this nature before.

Reflecting on the venture, Kim Murray explained the motivation to capture their efforts on camera:

“The last couple of years have been really full of change at Cromlix with a huge building project and a totally new direction for fine dining and wellness, and I was really keen to document that as there were so many personal stories and interesting discoveries along the way.”

She candidly addressed the dynamic of teaming up alongside her husband during the extensive property upgrade:

“Andy and I haven’t worked on anything together before, so that was a fascinating process – and a learning curve! I’ve loved shaping this building and estate into what’s now become a really thriving and much-loved Scottish business. I hope people enjoy watching the show and meeting the team behind the hotel.”

Behind the scenes with Channel 4

Commissioned by Channel 4, the series aims to reveal both the intricate craftsmanship and the personal touches that define the retreat, scheduled to broadcast in December.

Channel 4 commissioning editor Emily Shields praised the access provided throughout the filming process:

“Cromlix is a fascinating world to step inside, and this series offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes of a business where no detail is overlooked.”

Shields highlighted the human dimension running through every stage of the estate’s overhaul:

“Kim and Andy are embarking on an ambitious transformation, but at its heart this is a story about people: the team whose hard work brings Cromlix to life, and the shared desire to create something truly special. We’re delighted to be bringing viewers this warm, intimate and revealing look at life behind the doors of one of Scotland’s most distinctive hotels.”

Art, humour and teamwork

The documentary also captures individual quirks that shaped the venue, including Andy Murray’s choice to furnish the walls with artwork by Glasgow artist David Shrigley, an interest sparked after he bought a piece showing a dog and a tennis ball.

James Rogan, co-chief executive of production company Rogan Scotland, underlined how deeply personal the renovation became for both:

“It’s been such a privilege for Rogan Scotland to be invited into Cromlix at this pivotal time. What fascinated us was not simply the scale of the transformation, but how personal every decision became.”

Rogan elaborated on how the programme showcases their contrasting dynamic alongside their dedicated staff:

“From the food on the plate and the David Shrigley works on the walls to the search for water beneath the estate, the series captures Kim and Andy’s contrasting instincts, ambitions and sense of humour. Cromlix is also the story of an extraordinary team, responding to each new challenge with ingenuity, pride and a determination to make every guest feel that nothing unusual is happening at all.”