Plockton Inn changes hands as Highland Coast Hotels expands its portfolio with pledge of major investment, staff wage rise and special deals for locals in Lochalsh
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AN hotel and restaurant in the Lochalsh area of Ross-shire have changed hands as part of an ongoing investment by a growing company with an interest in the NC500.
Highland Coast Hotels (HCH) revealed today it has acquired the 14-room Plockton Inn and its adjoining seafood restaurant.
The company, formed last year, lists its key aims as bring "best in class, sustainable hospitality" to the area.
HCH says it is investing in and developing independently-owned hotels while boosting regional growth, setting new standards for environmentally-friendly hotels, and supporting local communities and suppliers.
Plockton Inn joins the hotels acquired by the group last year: Kylesku Hotel, Newton Lodge, Unapool, the Royal Golf Hotel Dornoch and the Royal Marine Hotel Brora.
The hotel is situated in the village of Plockton adjacent to the sheltered bay, a haven for yachtsmen and others exploring the region.
The Plockton Inn will retain its name and become part of the Highland Coast Hotels Collection.
HCH will set up a community liaison group in Plockton which will act as a forum for locals to give feedback on the group’s plans.
Anybody living within a 15-mile radius of the Plockton Inn will also be eligible for the new Highland Coast Hotels Community Card which provides a 30 per cent discount in its restaurants and bars, all-year round, and a 50 per cent discount off an overnight stay at any hotel, from October to March inclusive.
As Highland Coast Hotels evolves the guest experience at the Plockton Inn, suppliers and experience providers in the local area are invited to get in touch. The group aims to offer exciting opportunities for those companies to expand and develop with the potential for new businesses to be created in and around Plockton which, in turn, should create further tourism and hospitality careers.
HCH chairman, David Whiteford said: “We are absolutely delighted to be acquiring The Plockton Inn, one of the west coast’s best-loved hotels. It’s a daunting prospect to be picking up the baton from Kenny and Mary Gollan and Susan Trowbridge, who have nurtured and developed the hotel into such a landmark in this beautiful part of the world.
"However, with a clear focus on working closely with the local communities around our properties, and investing back into the local economy, we very much hope we can add even further value to the hotel and the surrounding area. We will continue to operate the hotel on a year-round basis, and expect to create further permanent employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly through our support of local producers and activity providers
"Whilst its early days, we have exciting plans for the hotel which we anticipate will undergo a substantial refurbishment this coming winter.’’
HCH says existing employees at the Plockton Inn will be positively impacted by the group’s status as a Scottish Living Wage Employer. There will be wage increases to reflect this, alongside additional training and development opportunities for the 30-strong team which will grow in size as the hotel is integrated within the wider group.
HCH says it has built a strong leadership team who will implement these changes. CEO Roddy Watt said: “As someone who was brought up in a hotel on the West Coast at Ballachulish, I am thrilled to be involved in another wonderful hotel in this beautiful part of the world. I very much look forward to meeting the many members of the local community and to working with all to support the Plockton Inn on the next stage of its journey of excellence.’’
Kenny Gollan, departing owner of the Plockton Inn, said: “After 25 years of ownership of the Plockton Inn, Mary, Susan and I are very sad to be handing over our wonderful hotel after all these years. It has been a source of huge satisfaction and pride to us, and we will be forever grateful for the unstinting support we have received from the local community, and our many regular guests from further afield.
"To you all, ‘thank you’. We have also been very mindful of ensuring that we only sell the hotel to a company that we believe share our values, and will carry on the hard work we have personally invested over the years. We are delighted to be selling to Highland Coast Hotels and from our dealings with the senior team, we believe they will build on our legacy, and we wish them every success in taking the Plockton Inn on, on the next stage of its journey.
"We also very much see that the opportunities for our team will be opened-up by being part of a larger organisation, and one that clearly respects the importance of ‘community’, understands this part of the world, and is very focused on supporting the local economy and the broader environmental agenda.”
The group says it is building on a successful first year of operation with strong occupancy levels across the group into the summer season and for the rest of 2022. This acquisition comes ahead of the reopening of Royal Marine Hotel in Brora following an extensive refurbishment of all bedrooms and public areas and a face-lift of the exterior of the building.
