Fresh from a career in some of the world’s most glamorous tourist hotspots, Scots hospitality veteran Guy Crawford is returning to his Highlands roots as the new Chief Executive of Highland Coast Hotels.
Mr Crawford’s grandparents and parents were hotel owners and managers in the Scottish Highlands, with venues in Forres, Nairn, Grantown-on-Spey, Aviemore and Craigellachie, while his wife Elizabeth is originally from Barra in the Western Isles.
But he made his mark internationally, enjoying a long and distinguished career developing and running some of the world’s most exclusive luxury hotels. A former CEO of the Jumeirah Hospitality Group in Dubai, managing director of Forte Heritage Hotels, and managing director of Le Meridien Africa, Caribbean and Indian Ocean, Mr Crawford has also been a non-executive board member of the Indian Hotels Company, Taj Group, Lausanne Hotel School in Switzerland, and Emirates Hotel Academy in the United Arab Emirates.
Mr Crawford will join Highland Coast Hotels as CEO from 6th April, when he will begin leading the business into the next phase of its development and expansion of ‘innovative, sustainable and community-led’ hospitality on the stunning coastlines of the North Highlands of Scotland.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr Crawford said: “The Scottish Highlands is not only one of the most beautiful corners of the earth, but the region holds so many personal family connections and memories for me. I’m passionate about enhancing local community life and sustainable tourism.
“As Scotland’s newest luxury boutique hotel collection, Highlands Coast Hotels is already establishing its reputation for showcasing world-class Highland food and drink, supporting local businesses and outstanding hospitality.
“I’m delighted to be joining the team at this time and look forward to the challenge of leading Highland Coast Hotels in the next phase of its development.”
Chairman at Highland Coast Hotels, David Whiteford, added: “We’re incredibly fortunate to be welcoming Guy to Highland Coast Hotels. Over the last four decades, he’s gained a global reputation as one of the hospitality industry’s most respected leaders.
“We’re thrilled that he has agreed to join our team and look forward to Highland Coast Hotels continuing to grow its positive contribution to tourism, community and the North Highland economy.”
As part of the leadership changes on 6th April, current CEO Roddy Watt will step back from involvement in day-to-day operations and focus on development of the business through investment and acquisition. As founder of Highland Coast Hotels, Mr Watt’s contribution to the Group and the North Highland economy is very significant and the board is delighted that he will be involved in the next phase of its development. Mr Watt will remain on the board of Highland Coast Hotels as Development Director.
Since 2021, Highland Coast Hotels has acquired several of the region’s landmark hotels; the award-winning Kylesku Hotel, overlooking Loch Gleann Dubh in the far West Highlands; Newton Lodge overlooking Loch Glencoul a few minutes away from Kylesku; Plockton Inn on the western seaboard of the North Highlands; historic Tongue Hotel on the north coast; the Royal Golf Hotel in Dornoch positioned on the first tee of one of the most revered links golf courses in the world; and the Royal Marine Hotel in Brora, lying close to further golf courses, stunning beaches and world-renowned distilleries.
