Millers64 statement

September 7th, 2020

After 12 years, some 2000 guests and around 7000 breakfasts, I’m saying goodbye to our last visitors, turning down the lights, and closing the door of Millers64 for the last time. It’s been a joy.

As befits a boutique B&B that was never busier than during Edinburgh’s fantastic festival season, Millers64 has been home to drama and comedy, an amazing number of five-star reviews, and an “audience” that kept coming back for more. I’ve got so many precious memories of the last decade-and-a-bit, and I will cherish them in the years to come. Heaven is other people.

But if life teaches us anything, it’s that change is the only constant. And now, it’s time for a change. I’d been thinking ‘what next?’ for a while, but I’d be lying if I said that a global pandemic that crippled not just the hospitality industry but everyone’s entire way of life wasn’t a factor in my decision. We Clellands are determined, not deranged. Yes, it takes strength to hold on. But it also takes strength to let go.

Before I go though, I’d like to thank the people without whom Millers64 wouldn’t have been the experience it was.

Thank you to our suppliers – some of Britain’s finest butchers, bakers and toiletries makers – including Mr Eion for the damn fine coffee, Pekoe Tea, brilliant butchers Ramsays of Carluke, Smashin Eggs, and Noble Isle Toiletries.

For their sterling work on our website – which I wanted to be as welcoming and as stylish as Millers64 itself – thank you to Andy Matthew and David Clelland. For the priceless business advice, I am grateful to Robin Bryson Jack and to Barry Bryson Jack. And, for their support from even before we greeted our first guests, thank you to Richard Arnold and Gareth McLean.

Most of all, thank you – so much, for everything – to my sister, Shona. A best friend who’s both my fiercest critic, when I needed it, and my most stalwart supporter, through thick and thin. My deep and enduring gratitude to her, and to our mum, Sally. We are family.

It was that feeling of being part of a loving family – of belonging – that inspired me to open Millers64. I believe that everyone deserves a home from home when they’re on holiday, and my ambition with Millers64 – named after my dad – was to provide that for guests. It’s been my privilege to provide that “home”, that feeling, for so many of the visitors that we are so lucky to welcome to Scotland. I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved, and I couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you.

Louise Clelland
Owner, Millers64