Work has officially started on a long-anticipated new hotel development in Inverness, backed by £28.5 million in financing from Barclays.
The 72-bedroom KIN Hotel will be the third property operated by Kingsmills Hotel Group and is being built on the site of the former Highland Council offices on Church Street. The new four-star hotel has been in the pipeline for several years, with planning first approved in 2018. The build was delayed due to the pandemic and wider economic conditions, but the group has now confirmed work is underway, with completion scheduled for 2027.
Kingsmills Hotel Group, which already owns and operates the Kingsmills Hotel and Ness Walk, said the new hotel will help meet increasing demand for high-quality accommodation in the city.
“Inverness and the wider Highlands region continues to rank among the top destinations in the world to visit, and with this exceptional level of demand comes a clear need for expanded luxury hotel offerings,” said Tony Story, chief executive of Kingsmills Hotel Group. “We are delighted to announce the development of our third property in Inverness – KIN.”
In line with its approach to previous developments, the group confirmed that the project will prioritise the use of local suppliers and contractors throughout the build.
The investment is being supported by Barclays UK Corporate Bank as part of its £22 billion Business Prosperity Fund, which is designed to encourage business growth and regional economic development. Gordon McKean, relationship director at Barclays UK Corporate Bank, said the deal reflected the bank’s long-standing commitment to the hospitality sector.
Kingsmills Hotel Group was formed following the 2007 acquisition of the former Inverness Marriott by Patio Hotels. Since then, it has grown into an independent, family-owned business.
Picture: The Kingsmill Hotel, Inveness
