MANORVIEW Group has added another property to its burgeoning portfolio of directly managed hotels.

The family-owned firm, whose venues include the Busby Hotel in Glasgow and Boclair House in Bearsden, has brought Larkhall’s Applebank Inn under direct control. The 300-year-old inn, which is claimed to be one of the most haunted pubs in Britain, had previously been part of the Manorview Pub Partnership, its leased pub division.

Based in Millheugh just outside Larkhall, and next to the River Avon, the Applebank is run by new general manager Rozlynn Gavin, who has worked in a range of roles at the pub over the last two years.

Ms Gavin said: “I’m part of the community and I know the pub inside out. Although I have been doing many general manager duties, this is now my first official general manager role. I’m delighted and excited for the challenge ahead.”

According to legend, the pub is haunted by the ghost of the Black Lady – an Indian princess called Sita Phurdeen brought to Scotland by Captain McNeill in 1902. The seafarer lived in Broomhill House behind the inn, which now stands in ruins after a fire. Many unexplained incidents have occured at the pub, which is said to be a magnet for paranormal investigators

Fallon Cowley, group operations director, said: “The Applebank Inn is a great addition to our Manorview family. I think it demonstrates how diverse all our venues are.

“From grand buildings to castles, and cosy family pubs and restaurants, our family is growing. The Applebank Inn has lots of character, it’s warm and welcoming, and it’s got a great team behind it.”