New luxury Highland wedding venue opens doors as coronavirus lockdown restrictions eased
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THE transformation of formerly derelict farm buildings into a luxury wedding and events venue on the Black Isle is complete after it opened its doors.
Newhall Mains, which also provides accommodation, was among the area's other hospitality sites to open its doors as lockdown controls eased.
The building, which has been renovated over the past three years, officially opened today having had to postpone the date due to the coronavirus pandemic and restrictions.
Located in Balblair on the north side of the Black Isle, Newhall Mains consists of a series of luxury cottages and guest suites and a centrepiece events venue with courtyard. The property also features a bar for guests, and is home to a range of single malts and local gins.
The manager hopes that today's landmark will opening will help to boost tourism and support local businesses, as well as provide a venue for the large number of weddings and events postponed by Covid-19.
Euan Ramsay said: “I am over the moon to finally be able to welcome guests to Newhall Mains. In 2017 we decided to completely renovate the buildings, which had sadly fallen into disrepair, with the dream of welcoming visitors to this beautiful area and to support the local economy.
“The coronavirus pandemic has only strengthened our dedication to the local community, and we’ve been working with local suppliers for everything from construction and décor to welcome hampers for guests filled with local food and drink.
“With the cancellation of many events and special occasions this year, I’m also excited to be able to host weddings and other events here, albeit smaller ones in the short term. I can’t wait to help local people celebrate their most special occasions with us and hope Newhall Mains will become a place as close to their hearts as it is to ours.”
Throughout the renovation of Newhall Mains, more than 100 people were on-site. All of the construction work was awarded to firms located within a 45-mile radius of the site.
Its owners believe that roughly £2.5m was injected into the local economy, and that most of this went to small independent contractors.
And it is promising to keep that local connection going forward, with its guests being supplied with produce from a number of local producers. These will include:
- Cromarty Bakery for daily bread
- R.K. Shellfish for freshly delivered lobsters and local seafood
- Storehouse of Foulis for hamper items
- Slaughterhouse Coffee for freshly roasted coffee
- As well as homemade apple juice from the Newhall Mains orchard and fresh eggs from hens at the farm
For more information about the venue, visit www.newhall-mains.com.
