Multi-million pound refurbishment has transformed historic hotel
ACHIEVING a balance between the old and the new was the ambition behind an extensive, multi-million pound refurbishment in Glencoe.
The Kingshouse Hotel has been trading for four centuries and once served as a barracks for the Duke of Cumberland’s troops as they hunted Jacobites after the Battle of Culloden.
The historic building, on Rannoch Moor, will reopen to visitors in February.
The £12 million refurbishment included the addition of a new restaurant, the redevelopment of the hotel’s bar – rebranded as The Way Inn in recognition of the hotel’s location on the West Highland Way – and the removal of some features that had been added to the building in the 1960s. The hotel’s bunkhouse was also redeveloped, with the addition of new facilities such as drying rooms and a bag store.
The refurbishment was project managed on behalf of the hotel’s owner by property consultant Bidwells, with work carried out by architectural firm Covell Matthews and construction company Douglas & Stewart.
The property is operated by the Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels.
Craig Haddow, the hotel’s general manager, said the design team “worked extremely hard to maintain the ethos and the oldest parts of the original 17th century building”.
“After an amazing £12m investment programme by the owners, the new hotel brings the charm and drama of the old in its Glencoe setting, but with much wider amenities,” said Haddow.
“Kingshouse used to be known as a welcoming place to lay your head overnight but we are now equipped to make more of the stunning surroundings to be a destination venue for longer stays as well.
“We will also be able to host weddings for up to 100 people, with 57 comfortable and contemporary bedrooms for guests.”
Crieff Hydro owner Stephen Leckie said the goal of the refurbishment was to “provide continuity for all the things which make Kingshouse unique, while ensuring its longevity for another century and more”.
“It was important for all of us to retain the ethos of muddy boots and wet dogs drying in front of open fires, while ensuring the standard of hospitality and comfort was fit for the international audience attracted to dramatic Glencoe,” said Leckie.
