Stobo Castle appoints new spa manager

Gillian McGraffin will lead the spa team at Scotland’s only destination spa

Scotland

By Wendy Golledge

14 September 2026

www.stobocastle.co.uk

Stobo Castle Health Spa has announced that Gillian McGraffin is joining the team as spa manager.

McGraffin has built her career within the spa and luxury hospitality sector. She has worked across a number of leading UK properties including Cameron House, Grantley Hall, the Grand Brighton and Swinton Park Country Club & Spa.

Her experience covers spa openings and refurbishments, team development, revenue growth and treatment innovation, with a focus on combining commercial performance with exceptional guest experience.

“With a strong focus on standards, service and delivery, my intention is to enhance the guest journey at Stobo Castle. From this, a platform can then be built to move the business into an enhanced state of luxury and serenity. Adding that extra touch of luxury will be a key focus.”

Gillian McGraffin

Spa manager, Stobo Castle

Training and technology

Billed as Scotland’s sole destination spa, Stobo Castle is run by the Winyard family.

McGraffin will work alongside the Winyards to create stronger partnerships with suppliers, which include Phytomer and Made for Life Organics, and update the spa’s facilities. She also has plans to add to the treatment menus in 2027.

“My focus for the team will be on growing our therapist team and improving skill sets to ensure the correct mindset and make the best use of their strengths and weaknesses,” McGraffin said.

“Training is key to all successful spas, as is adding and analysing new technology or experiences that can bring added value. Again, this is fundamental to the guest journey, ensuring maximum satisfaction when booking, whether for a residential stay or a day spa.”

“We are delighted to welcome Gillian to Stobo Castle Health Spa. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience; we are confident that her leadership, expertise and commitment to exceptional standards will further strengthen our spa.”

Mitchell Winyard

Director, Stobo Castle

Spa improvement plans

Dating back more than 1,000 years, Stobo Castle was purchased by the Winyards in 1975. It opened as one of the UK’s first health farms in 1978.

A spa-first business, the castle boats the 1,400sqm Stobo Castle Health Spa with facilities including a 25m pool, Swedish sauna, steam room and hydrospa.

Director Mitchell Winyard said there are further plans to develop Stobo’s thermal experiences and hydro spa as part of continued reinvestment in the spa offering in 2027. “As a family, we remain incredibly passionate about the future of Stobo and continuing to reinvest in the business,” he said.

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