New bar, restaurant and lounge areas have been unveiled at the Coll Hotel as part of a major expansion project at the third-generation family business.
Spearheaded by manager Laura Oliphant, whose family has owned the hotel on the Isle of Coll since 1963, the development includes a 60-cover restaurant and state-of-the-art kitchen, a larger public bar and a lounge area serving teas, coffees and light meals throughout the day.
Work will now begin on phase two, which will see the creation of four new bedrooms due for completion in early 2020 and taking the total number of rooms to ten.
Laura said: “I feel very proud to be carrying on the family business on the island that we all love.
“Tourism plays a major part in the economy of the island and we hope that our current and future plans mean that the Coll Hotel will continue to be a driving force in adding value to that economy through encouraging visitors and providing meaningful and relevant employment for the younger generation of Coll.”
Jo Smith, business development account manager at Highlands and Islands Enterprise, which supported the project, said tourism is “one of the region’s key growth sectors”.
“Coll Hotel is at the heart of the island community, providing jobs, particularly for young people,” said Smith.
“The owners have recognised the potential for growth and invested in an excellent expansion project. We have been impressed with their vision and very pleased to be able to support this important development for the island.”
