40 jobs to be created as Highland Coast Hotels adds Lochardil House in Inverness to portfolio
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A Scottish hotel group has added an Inverness property to its portfolio.
Lochardil House in Stratherrick Road is the latest addition to the Highland Coast Hotels collection of seven existing properties across the north Highlands.
The four-star hotel – a Victorian mansion set in its own gardens – will offer 28 guest rooms while a dedicated wedding and meeting space will host between 10 and 200 people.
The hotel group also plans to establish Lochardil House as a local community hub for people to enjoy entertaining with family and friends, including birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and other special occasions.
It says the development has set clear objectives to foster and support local talent with the creation of over 40 hospitality jobs in the Highland capital.
Highland Coast Hotels says the acquistion of Lochardil House into its collection is a testament to the commitment of the group and its partners to continue developing a sustainable business in the Highlands, as well as supporting people and their communities, despite very challenging economic trading conditions.
The guest rooms will include a choice of suites, family rooms, deluxe doubles and classic singles.
The restaurant and bar will be open to residents and the local community for lunch and dinner seven days a week, bringing a new offering to the area, and a focus on local and seasonal menus.
Guy Crawford, chief executive of Highland Coast Hotels, said: "This is a really exciting milestone for Highland Coast Hotels. Lochardil House is our first hotel in Inverness and is also part of our ongoing investment and commitment to community-led hospitality in the north Highlands.
"We carefully selected this traditional and imposing Highland house to complement our existing hotel collection.
"It offers exactly the right kind of special charm, authenticity and proximity to the city centre that we were looking for.
"It’s also conveniently located at the gateway to the north Highlands and the starting point for the world-famous North Coast 500.
"We look forward to welcoming overnight guests to Lochardil House Hotel, as well as establishing the venue as a local community hub with a warm welcome for everyone to enjoy great food, drink and hospitality.”
He added: "Our latest investment in Inverness is testament to our confidence in the potential of the Highland tourism and hospitality industry, which has faced a number of unprecedented economic challenges over the last few years.
"As well as helping to grow the city’s tourism economy, we also hope to create lasting careers in hospitality that will benefit the wider local community."
Robert Ratcliffe from the Highland Coast Hotels’ Dornoch property, The Royal Golf, has been appointed as the new general manager of Lochardil House.
Highland Coast Hotels was created in April 2021. Its portfolio includes the award-winning Kylesku Hotel, Newton Lodge overlooking Loch Glencoul, Tongue Hotel, Plockton Inn and Royal Marine Hotel, Brora.
