Highland Coast Hotels has kick-started its autumn and winter campaign by unveiling a £1million makeover at its venues on the world-famous North Coast 500 and at Plockton in Wester Ross.
This latest bout of renovation is part of the hotel group’s ongoing investment programme to strengthen and enhance the visitor experience and boost year-round regional growth.
Since being established in 2021, Highland Coast Hotels has acquired six of the region’s landmark hotels – Tongue Hotel; Kylesku Hotel; Plockton Inn; Royal Golf Hotel, Dornoch; Royal Marine Hotel Brora; and Lochardil House in Inverness.
Managing director of HCH, Kenny McMillan, said: “Our latest £1million makeover across four of our six hotels is yet further evidence of how we’re elevating the visitor experience, as well as helping to boost the regional tourism economy throughout the year.
“As Scotland’s newest luxury boutique hotel collection, Highlands Coast Hotels is already establishing its reputation for showcasing world-class Highland hospitality across the North Coast 500 and Wester Ross.
“We’re also committed to providing year-round employment opportunities and community-led hospitality. Our aim is to create lasting professional careers in hospitality that will benefit our small and remote Highland communities.”
Among the improvements made during this round of investment is the addition of four new guestrooms to Kylesku Hotel’s main building, as well as bringing the seven bedrooms of Kylesku House under the main hotel’s brand.
This gives Kylesku a total of 22 rooms to offer to visitors to the Assynt area from this autumn and winter onwards.
At Plockton Inn in Wester Ross, 10 rooms in The Haven have been given a major upgrade, as have the public areas. The remaining guestrooms and guest lounge at The Haven will be renovated early 2027.
The guest lounge at Lochardil House in Inverness has been given a soft interior renovation and enhanced by artwork from local artist, Joanna McDonough. All 12 guest rooms in the original building of Lochardil House and the garden wing have also been upgraded.
Earlier this year, Highland Coast also reopened one of Scotland’s most historic and northerly pubs at Tongue Hotel. The new look Brass Tap has benefitted from an interior makeover and new outdoor terrace with views across the Kyle of Tongue towards the historic Castle Varrich, Ben Loyal and Ben Hope.
As the driving force behind the touristic rise of the North Coast 500 – an increase in traffic that has not been universally popular on that previously sleepy circuit – Highland Coast Hotels now stresses its commitment to responsible tourism, including safe, considered travel in the Highlands.
The hotel group makes a point of encouraging visitors to travel at a slower pace; engage with local communities; support local businesses; and respect the natural environment.
“As one of the biggest employers in the North Highlands, Highland Coast Hotels is continuing to bring innovative, sustainable and community-led hospitality to the stunning coastlines of the region.”
