Glasgow couple claim they were ushered out by the owner of the Loch Lomand Waterfront who told them: ‘We can’t allow people like you in here’

A gay couple are considering taking legal action after a luxury hotel on Loch Lomond allegedly refused to consider hosting their wedding because of their sexual orientation.

John and Stephen Devaney, from Baillieston in Glasgow, said the owner of the Loch Lomond Waterfront, Suzanne Cottam, “ushered us out” after they said they were looking for a wedding venue.

Cottam declined requests for an interview but the hotel released a statement firmly denying the Devaneys’ allegations, describing them as false and “seriously defamatory” claims that had led to a surge in abusive calls to the hotel.

In the latest row about alleged homophobia in the hotel trade, John Devaney told the Daily Record: “She couldn’t hide her disgust. She told me: ‘We can’t allow people like you in here,’ and said gay marriage was against her beliefs.

“I told her she was entitled to her beliefs but gay marriage was now legal. She just said she was the owner so she could say and do as she liked.

“She then told us marriage should be between one man and one woman only – not two men like us, or two women. The woman just ushered us out, as her wedding planner stood there utterly embarrassed and in disbelief.”

However, the hotel said: “Suzanne Cottam did not say the words attributed to her, nor would she do so because of her Christian faith and her belief in the dignity of all people.

“Due to the hysterical nature of the reporting, we have been inundated with foul, abusive and sometimes threatening messages. Suzanne has an independent witness who was present throughout the conversation and can back up her version of events.

“As a result of the serious defamatory comments which have been made and published, we are taking legal advice as to what remedies may be available to us. We will be making no further comment on this matter at present.”

John Devaney, speaking to the Guardian, insisted his account of the conversation with Cottam was entirely accurate. He said the independent witness cited in the hotel’s statement was in fact the wedding planner employed by the hotel.

Confirming he and his partner were now considering taking the hotel to court, Devaney said Cottam’s denials were “aggravating and more frustrating. Yes, she did say it and I [Devaney] would stand up in a court of law and say it.”

Devaney said he and Stephen have been in a civil partnership since 2006, in a relationship for more than 17 years and run a party planning consultancy . He added that they were intending to get married under Scotland’s new gay marriage legislation in May.



The five-star venue on the eastern shore of the loch, which specialises in self-catering chalets and cabins, boasts that it is one of the area’s most sought-after wedding venues.

Its website states: “Loch Lomond Waterfront is a beautiful and captivating setting for couples looking for a truly unique wedding venue. Our exclusive private beach sets us apart from others, providing the most atmospheric, yet intimate setting for your special wedding day.”

The Devaneys have not responded to further interview requests, but gay rights groups said that if the couple’s allegations were upheld in court, the hotel could be found in breach of anti-discrimination legislation.

Colin Macfarlane, the director of Stonewall Scotland, said: “If proven, this alleged incident would be a blatant and hurtful act of discrimination. It is also against the law as no business is allowed to withhold its services to people on the grounds of sexual orientation.

“The couple would be well within their rights to take Loch Lomond Waterfront to court should they choose to do so. However, the damage could already be done for the resort if lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, their friends and their families felt that their custom is not welcome.”

In one of the best-known cases where a hotel has discriminated against gay customers, hoteliers Peter and Hazel Bull were ordered to pay £3,600 in compensation after refusing to allow Martyn Hall and Steven Preddy to share a double room at their hotel in Cornwall.