New hotel owners in Muir of Ord pledge to ‘ensure a warm Highland welcome for all’
THE new owners of a Ross-shire hotel are pledging “loads of exciting plans in the coming weeks” after opening the doors to customers old and new.
Stuart and Deborah Wilson have taken over the Ord Arms Hotel in Muir of Ord.
The couple running the hotel on the village’s Great North Road say their aim is to “ensure a warm Highland welcome for all”.
Mr Wilson said: “I built up and sold a finance company called AIR (answers in retirement) and after stepping down as CEO in 2022 I was chairman until may this year. Deb was a forensic nurse manager with the police then a care home manager.
“We retired here, having got married here but retirement bored me”
“We now live in Highfield, next to Muir of Ord. We heard the hotel was many years past its heyday so, I love a challenge, and many of my skills are aligned in branding, marketing and building award-winning teams.
“I graduated in hospitality management in 1988 so it was time to dust off the cobwebs…”
The Wilson’s say they are excited to see existing and new customers alike.
There have been words of welcome on social media from many wishing them well on their venture.
Fiona Macrae posted: “Wishing you luck. Good, fresh varied menus go a long way!”
Gail Morrison added: “Conon Hotel have made a huge difference to the village. Sure you guys will do the same for The Muir.”
Charlotte Mackay stated: “Well done be lovely to see the place been up running again good luck.”
Averil Lockhart was also encouraging: “Brilliant! The village needs you.”
Muir of Ord is well known for hosting the Black Isle Show, the largest annual agricultural event of its kind, and The Glen Ord Distillery, which is a significant visitor attraction and local employer.
It’s also home to a SGL Carbon plant.