Highland Coast Hotels has unveiled plans for a £1.8 million makeover of the Plockton Inn and the Tongue Hotel. Both hotels will re-open in April following an extensive, three-month refurbishment supported by Highland-based, Rona Douglas Interiors.
Tongue Hotel, which is a former 19th century sporting lodge, will offer 19 individually-styled guest rooms and a newly refurbished restaurant and bar, whilst retaining its historic charm, including original wood panelling, antique furnishings and open fires, as well as local artwork by Rona Kant and Katherine Sutherland, and photography of the local landscape by photographer, Glyn Slatterly.
The 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. The popular Brass Tap Bar also benefits from an extensive makeover.
The Plockton Inn will see the 14 bedrooms reduced to 12 to allow for larger en-suite bathrooms for selected rooms. The makeover of Plockton Inn will also include ‘Sorley’s House’ in the building opposite, which takes its name from the famous Scottish poet, Sorley MacLean, who lived on the site for a number of years.
The new 80-cover restaurant, dining areas and bar at Plockton Inn will retain the existing period features. Once again, the Inn will showcase local artists and photographers including Danny Campbell, Cath Waters of Skye, and Sam Bilner
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.
“The history, architectural features and locations in areas of outstanding natural beauty are what make these two venues stand out from the crowd. Tongue benefits from its position on the world-famous North Coast 500 and Plockton is renowned as ‘The Jewel of the Highlands’, overlooking Loch Carron, and representing a safe haven for the many sailors in the area.
“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.”
Since 2021, Highland Coast Hotels have acquired another four of the region’s landmark hotels, including the award-winning Kylesku Hotel, overlooking the beautiful Loch Gleann Dubh in the far West Highlands; Newton Lodge overlooking Loch Glencoul, and the Royal Golf Hotel in Dornoch.
The redevelopment of Tongue Hotel and Plockton Inn has been supported by Highlands & Islands Enterprise.