Highland Coast Hotels invests inTongue Hotel and Plockton Inn

Highland Coast Hotels has unveiled plans for a £1.8 million makeover of two iconic venues in the far north Scottish Highlands the Plockton Inn and Tongue Hotel.

Both hotels will reopen in April following an extensive, three-month refurbishment supported by Highland-based, Rona Douglas Interiors.

Both historic venues are being given a contemporary new look inspired by their locations. Tongue enjoys breathtaking views over the Kyle of Tongue, Ben Loyal and Ben Hope while the village of Plockton is affectionately known as ‘The Jewel of the Highlands’ and sits on a sheltered bay overlooking Loch Carron.

Tongue Hotel, a former 19th century sporting lodge, will offer 19 individuallystyled guest rooms and a newly refurbished restaurant and bar.

Tongue Hotel’s new 40-cover destination restaurant ‘Varrich’, takes inspiration from the remains of the Viking Castle Varrich on the headland opposite. The hotel will also benefit from a new protected decking area for al fresco dining for up to 30 guests and its popular Brass Tap Bar will also receive an extensive makeover.

Plockton Inn will see the 14 bedrooms reduced to 12 to allow for larger ensuite bathrooms for selected rooms. The makeover of Plockton Inn will also include ‘Sorley’s House’ in the building opposite.

The new 80-cover restaurant, dining areas and bar at Plockton Inn will retain its existing period features. The artwork and colour scheme in the bedrooms and public areas will reflect its location, and the quality of light and fishing boats on the shores of Loch Carron.

David Whiteford, Chairman of Highland Coast Hotels, said, “We’re really excited to be welcoming the iconic Tongue Hotel and Plockton Inn to the Highland Coast Hotels collection this spring.

“We’ve invested a significant amount of time, money, care and attention to detail to give both venues a sympathetic and contemporary makeover. As with all our venues, the focus is also on creating environmentally-friendly hotels and supporting local communities, suppliers, producers, designers and artists.”

The redevelopment of Tongue Hotel and Plockton Inn has been supported by Highlands & Islands Enterprise.

Glenapp Castle Showcased On New Bbc Series

Scotland’s Greatest Escape, a new BBC Scotland series has included Glenapp Castle, as a shortlisted contender for ‘Best Luxury Escape’ and as one of the best holiday escapes that Scotland has to offer.

There were thousands of nominations for this year’s TV shortlist. The show aired on Wednesday 15th February on the BBC Scotland channel. Episode one was ‘Best Luxury Escape’, featuring Glenapp Castle and the series will now run for a further seven weeks.

Glenapp Castle which is a 21-bedroom luxurious PoB Hotel and Relais & Chateaux

Hotel, was acknowledged in the show with the experts stating ‘’Our industry panel was impressed by its traditional luxurious style. Built in 1870 for one of the Iron Lords of Lanarkshire this place is steeped in high-end history: it’s even rumoured that Winston Churchill and President Eisenhower met here secretly to discuss the D Day landings’’. The programme showcased the indoor and outdoor activities the Castle and also its unique Hebridean Sea Safari experience where guests embark upon a seaborn adventure aboard the Glenapp Castle Boat in search of rare marine life and The Endeavour penthouse castle apartment.