MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands famous Hotel for sale.

The Upland Goose hotel, which accommodated senior Argentine Military officers in 1982, and then welcomed British journalists who accompanied Mrs Thatcher's Task Force which liberated the Islands, is on the market.

Managing Director of the Falkland Islands Company (FIC) Roger Spink confirmed to MercoPress that the Company 'would be prepared to sell if the right offer comes along'.

Although Mr. Spink would not confirm a price, it is anticipated that something in excess of half-a-million pounds might tempt the FIC to make a deal.

Soon after Argentine Forces occupied the Islands on 2 April 1982, senior Military officers moved in and leased rooms from the then proprietor Desmond King. 'They would have forced their way in even if I had said no', said Mr King in reply to criticism from some locals.

Late in the afternoon of the 14 June the British journalist Max Hastings claimed the free drink which Mr King offered, 'to the first British reporter to walk into the hotel'. The King family later sold the hotel to the fishing company Witte Boyd, who in turn sold on to the FIC, who had previously owned the hotel before selling to the Kings!

The Upland Goose offers 18 comfortable ensuite guest rooms with television and phone/internet connections. Prices range from around 55 pounds bed & breakfast to 75-80 pounds full board.

More immediately the famous old hotel, which dates back to the mid-19th century, will temporarily close down at the end of May while a programme of refurbishment and repair is undertaken. Mr Spink said, 'It is not cost effective to operate during June, July & August as sales around this time of the year are very poor'.

Now around 8 staff members will be forced to look for other employment when the hotel, which does not form part of the main core activities of Falkland Islands Holdings, the FIC's parent company, closes on 31st May. 'Of course we regret having to lay-off staff but there is no other choice', insisted Mr Spink.

The FIC are currently advertising for 'expressions of interest from organisations wishing to lease or manage the Hotel'. Mr Spink explained that this move is to enable the hotel to re-open for the summer season .... but the Upland Goose could change ownership if the right offer materializes.

Bill Brown - MercoPress - Falklands.