Luxury Highland hotel in Invergordon is a 'dream come true' for commercial pilot
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When you walk into Kincraig Castle Hotel, it almost feels like you are stepping into a Harry Potter set. With large fireplaces, festively decorated Christmas trees and sophisticated antique furniture, it’s clear that every detail of the luxury venue has been given the utmost thought to provide a magical experience.
The Invergordon hotel has been a labour of love for real estate investor Ruchir Gupta who purchased it in March. Having dreamt about owning a Highland home, the aviation enthusiast was beaming as he showed us around the venue.
He said: “This is my home away from home. I absolutely love it here: the sites, the people, it’s all wonderful.
“I’ve been able to be creative with Kincraig Castle Hotel and I have a fantastic team who put their heart and soul into what they do.”
The entrepreneur owns several businesses throughout Europe and is always looking for opportunities to breathe fresh life into his ventures. So, when the opportunity for Kincraig Castle Hotel came up he jumped at it – especially because it had space to land his beloved helicopter outside.
“I had told the agent that I was looking for a place to land my helicopter,” he explained, “they showed me this one and I thought it was perfect!
“I think it’s probably the smallest hotel I’ve ever bought but it’s been the most fun because of the playground outside!
“It’s my favourite place to hang out and I’m here for one week a month.”
With 15 en-suite bedrooms overlooking the Cromarty Firth and a fine-dining restaurant, Ruchir has been improving the quality of the property and is ensuring the place is not just for tourists but that it’s also a hub for the community.
He said: “I’ve got lots of Ralph Lauren furniture in and we’ve done up the whole lounge area and the outside. Over the next year, we will be refurbishing all the bedrooms to improve the quality that people receive.
“What we offer here is what makes us stand out as the prices are still the same, but the quality is so much better.
“The restaurant is open to everyone – we now have local musicians coming in every two weeks. We’ve had harpists, jazz bands and singers and we would like people to come and enjoy it while having a drink, some delicious food and enjoying good music!
“We have a steading next door and we’ve turned it into a stable. We have horses on site and I’m building an area so that guests can also bring their horses. The lady who lives next door is wonderful and has been great with the horses.
“Over the next year, I would like to see more locals, music events, markets, and buzz – I want a busy place! We’ve already held markets and events which have been great.
“I also want this to be a place for families to come along. We’re going to be doing more character breakfasts where families can dine with the likes of Mario and Disney characters.
“The castle should belong to the whole community and be a place for them to come.”
Ruchir is also keen to create lasting collaborations in the area and has been busy working with a range of individuals and businesses to create a unique experience. And his secret to finding people to work with? Instagram.
“I use social media to network with people and connect with them in the area,” he said.
“I got in touch with the manager at Balnagown Estates as they have an incredible offering with luxury self-catering lodges.
“Next year we will be working in partnership with them, and we are going to use their self-catering for extra room capacity, and they can come and have meals with us as a package.
“We can also use their estate facilities as they are just two miles away.
“I’m trying to create more Highland experiences for people too, by offering stalking, shooting, hikes and cycling. The only hotel that I know that does it well is Gleneagles – with a partner like Balnagown I think we will be able to match this.
“I’ve been working with Miss Scotland to make this ‘her castle.’ She’s been in doing Highland dancing and her mum has been helping with the horses as she runs an equestrian centre.
“Luke Stoltman has also become a good friend and he often dines with me.”
Ruchir plans to build another five lodges on his grounds which will create a small ranch facing the stables and he is looking forward to booking lots of weddings for the venue too.
For him, it’s not just a business, but it’s a personal venture that he has been able to put his stamp on.
He said: “This is a home to us. It’s very personal.
“I’ve named one of the bars after my father and the other after my daughter.,
“This place was originally a home so it feels like that to me, and I want it to feel that way for others too.
“We have created this atmosphere – to be like a home away from home.
“Guests can sit in the lounge and relax. I like that it’s small and intimate and people are known by name and can have great conversations with one another.”
MEET THE TEAM:
Andrew Gibson
Role: Head chef
“I love everything about this building, from the snack bar to the kitchen. I think Ruchir coming in has been fantastic. The hotel needed a bit of new life and it’s got that now. My favourite foods to cook is steak and lamb! We buy the lamb fresh and local and it’s great. We’ve got lots of seasonal products on the menu just now!
Navdeep Mandadi
Role: Front of house team member
“I am enjoying the place and the hospitality. Everything is going very well. There are a lot of guests from different places and it’s great to meet people from all over the world! Every day is different and we are happy to make everyone happy! The first impression always counts so we need to make sure the first experience counts!
“This place has such an incredible history and it’s a unique experience working here!”
Carolyn Whittaker
Role: Reception supervisor
“I love working here, the people I work with and the guests through the door. The locals and regulars are fabulous and it’s a small intimate family atmosphere we have here.
“I think there is a bit of apprehension about change, but it’s been wonderful to see change for the better. Seeing the steadings, the new furniture and it all being done up has been great. Mr Gupta is brilliant and we couldn’t ask for anyone better! I’m here the majority of the time, and for me, my heart is in it – so now that everything is being invested in I have even more of a sense of pride!”
Becky Oman aka The Highland Mummy
Role: Events and social media
“My mum and dad got married here so it’s so sentimental to me!
“We’ve had an exclusive event where we had small local vendors, Highland dancers and a father and son who played here 25 years ago in. It was a brilliant night and egged us on to do more and more and give people a nice experience and lovely memories.
“We’ve done a market with 30 stall holders, which was a great day! We had mascots, Tain pipe band and tastings. It was a proper experience, and a lot of people had a good time!
“I want to showcase this place to locals and get people involved! It’s such a welcome space and there is so much we can do with the place! Being able to get live music in has been brilliant and there is so much to look forward to in 2024!
“We want people to get a platform that they wouldn’t in other places!”
CUSTOMER REVIEWS:
“The customer service was great with warm and friendly staff. The food was good with a good range for breakfast. Finally, the bedrooms were comfortable and warm with the bathrooms displaying elegance and good hygiene.”
“Myself and husband were at the hotel for dinner of which we had an excellent experience. Great service made all the better by the very attentive and helpful waiter Navadeep. We will be back in the near future.”
“Just left the Kincraig Castle hotel after really enjoying yet another scrumptious Sunday lunch. Andrew the chef and Nav and Salil make this a fabulous way to spend a lovely Sunday afternoon. Already looking forward to our next visit to enjoy a super afternoon tea. If you have never been then this is a must do”
Tomich, Invergordon
Ross-Shire, IV18 0LF, United Kingdom
T: (+44) 01349 852587
E: info@kincraig-castle-hotel.co.uk
