Calum owns the Loch Melfort Hotel and a consultancy business Red Roof Business Support with his wife Rachel. Appointed to the board of Highlands & Islands Enterprise in September 2019, and to the Court of the University of the Highlands & Islands in January 2022. In November 2022 he was appointed to the new Tourism & Hospitality Industry Leadership Group. He was a board member of VisitScotland from 2013 until 2019.
He is a director of UK Hospitality, Scottish Tourism Alliance, Highlands & Islands Tourism Awards and Argyll & the Isles Tourism Co-operative.
Calum was employed in food & beverage supply to the industry for 23 years prior to acquiring the hotel, culminating in roles as UK Managing Director and then Chief Operating Officer, Latin America for Unilever Foodsolutions.
- What is the best thing about your current job or role in the industry?
Working with our amazing team at the hotel & restaurant, to deliver exceptional guest experiences every day. And our amazing location and local produce too.
- What was your first job in the hospitality/foodservice or tourism industry?
In 1984, I started a job as a Caterplan Salesman (Products packed and prepared for the Caterer e.g Knorr & Hellmann’s)
- Who has been your biggest influence during your career?
Difficult to name just one but probably my late father, Hamish Ross – a Caterplan Salesman for 29 years before I became one, without his influence I would never have begun the journey that has ended up here. In my ‘second career’ as a ‘hotelier’ Peter Taylor and the late Tony Jackson have been hugely influential in the development of our business for which I will be eternally grateful.
- What key piece of advice would you give the future generation of hospitality professionals?
Work hard, play hard and chase your dreams – you can achieve anything if you set your mind to it.
- What is your favourite restaurant or type of food?
Café Fish, Tobermory/Scottish Seafood.
- What is your favourite dish?
Hot Seafood Platter (or our local argyll venison loin, served in our own restaurant).
- What is your favourite drink?
Lussa Gin (Isle of Jura).
- What or who are you looking forward most to see or meet at ScotHot 23?
The nostalgia driven buzz that I know I’ll get as soon as I walk in the door and see, hear and smell everything that goes on at Scothot. That and reconnecting with many longstanding industry friends and colleagues that I have met over almost 4 decades!!
