National Hotel revamp in Dingwall set to be revealed to public as new venture looks to 'massive potential'
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News of the revamp and relaunch of The National Hotel in Dingwall has generated a surge of positive comment from locals and triggered hopes it could prove a catalyst for other development in the town.
While earlier plans that would have seen it converted into a care home had sharply divided opinion – and drawn outright criticism from one prominent local councillor – the new management team yesterday spoke of its “massive potential" ahead of the planned March 1 reopening.
Others working to see Dingwall make much more of its location on the now world-famous NC500 and improve its offering to visitors are watching progress with interest.
One of the new proprietors, Dougal Cameron, has shared pictures of the revamped bar and says all the first floor rooms have been refurbished with more investment planned down the years.
He said: “We are initially going to be renting the building until the sale goes through, hopefully in two or three months' time.
“We will be trading under the National Hotel Inn Ltd. We are still to name the restaurant. We see a massive potential in a place for locals to go for a nice meal or a pint, the football should drive people in then further down the line we would love to get some weddings booked in.
“We want to start off small and get things right before we look into weddings properly. We also have a large hall that we would love to utilise properly.
“It’s an old building so we are going to keep on reinvesting until we have got the place to where we would like it to be. The first year is always going to be the hardest but we are looking to build a good foundation to grow into the coming years.
“We are starting off with a team of around 10 to 12 until we have the bookings to merit taking on more staff which we are confident will come very quickly.”
Local reaction to images shared on social media has been strong. Jane Maclennan posted: “Wow. Quite a transformation. Good luck with your new venture.” Alison Matheson said: "Dingwall really needs this."
Margaret Clelland Cassie wrote: "Had my wedding reception there over 50 years ago, lovely to see it opening up again." Saz shankland posted: "So pleased someone has seen The National's potential and not making it a residential home."
Councillor Margaret Paterson, who had criticised the previously announced plans to turn the hotel into a care home fearing the loss of the “asset” to the town, said she was "absolutely delighted" to hear the news.
She said: “It is a huge asset to the town in numerous ways. We need a hotel like this in Dingwall to provide accommodation to visitors and that will drive footfall in the town centre as well.
“I am also certain that it will delight many locals who have missed The National hotel as a place where they went for a meal and much more.For generations the hotel was the go to place for local weddings so I am overjoyed to hear that the new management wants to start hosting weddings again.
“This is by far the best news I have heard so far this year. It will be a fantastic asset to the town in the future and I intend to be there on March 1 for a coffee or maybe something stronger.”
