Potential new roles for Ross-shire hotels closed as a result of coronavirus crisis
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PROMINENT Ross-shire hotels which became casualties of the coronavirus crisis could be set for a new beginning as the county seeks to bounce back from the hugely damaging pandemic.
The closure of the Garve Hotel and Mackays Hotel in Strathpeffer sparked fears of a hospitality trade meltdown for tourist-dependent Ross-shire at the height of the lockdown back in May.
The closures sent shock waves across a county which had witnessed booming business from the rise of the North Coast 500 but then saw the lucrative coach tour and cruise liner trade dry up overnight.
Both were this week put on the market as part of the Hart Hotels portfolio owned by the Scottish-based David Urquhart Group.
Healthcare, leisure and residential are among potential development opportunities being flagged by selling agent Colliers International in collaboration with Graham + Sibbald.
Robert Smithson of the Colliers' hotel team said: "In addition to attracting interest from hospitality operators they have also been the focus of attention from developers who can see their potential for other purposes such as healthcare, residential, leisure and automotive.”
Alistair Letham, consultant at Graham + Sibbald, said development land available with the Garve Hotel meant it could be converted to alternative uses.
He said: "The Garve Hotel is a brownfield site, extending to around six acres in a prominent position on the renowned North Coast 500. For that reason, in addition to its current hotel use, there are a variety of potential options for alternative uses. These include holiday accommodation, a petrol filling station and potentially a drive through - or even a combination of the three."
The two Ross-shire hotels boast 100 beds between them and have became landmarks in their respective communities. The Garve Hotel comes with a five-acre site and is, the sellers' say, "perfectly positioned on the iconic North Coast 500 route".
Highland economic consultant Tony Mackay told the Journal: "I do not see anyone buying the hotels as a chain.
"The downturn in the hospitality industry will certainly continue into 2021. It is also difficult to predict what will happen in the industry during the next few years.There should be serious interest in the Garve Hotel given its excellent location, so I expect it to continue as a hotel.
"However, I expect Mackay’s Hotel to be converted into housing or related accommodation because there is already a good supply of hotels in Strathpeffer. The local housing market has been surprisingly good during the pandemic and that should continue to be the case for the foreseeable future."
Highland MSP Maree Todd, who lives in the Strathpeffer area, said: "In terms of the redevelopment of these hotels, it’s worth considering the opportunities available, particularly around sustainable businesses that can offer secure and fair employment to people living in the area.
“We also know the challenges surrounding affordable housing here in the Highlands. Covid-19 has further exacerbated these challenges as we are now seeing an increased interest in relocation to the Highlands from other parts of the UK. Viability of homes needs to meet local needs and provide community sustainability, and I think these sites could have the potential to offer that.
“I like the idea of community engagement here. Locals should be able to have their say and the opportunity to put their ideas forward.”
Related: Second major Ross-shire hotel closes after impact of coronavirus crisis
Ross-shire hotel falls victim to coronavirus crisis
