Highland Coast Hotels has unveiled plans for a £1.8 million makeover of two iconic venues in the far north Scottish Highlands.
Tongue Hotel on the world-famous North Coast 500 and Plockton Inn in Wester Ross will re-open to visitors in early April 2023 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 in areas of outstanding natural beauty.
Tongue enjoys breathtaking views over the Kyle of Tongue, Ben Loyal and Ben Hope.
The village of Plockton is affectionately known as ‘The Jewel of the Highlands’ and sits on a sheltered bay overlooking Loch Carron.
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 cosy open fires, as well as local artwork by Rona Kant and Katherine Sutherland, and black and white photography of the local landscape by renowned photographer, Glyn Slatterly.
The new ‘Deluxe Feature’ bedroom at Tongue Hotel has a sumptuous and decadent feel, complete with free-standing roll top bath, rich and textured soft furnishings, and an open fireplace.
The rich velvet curtain fabrics in the bedrooms are manufactured from recycled materials; the beds are handcrafted by Inverness-based Highland Blind Craft Beds; and the contemporary tartan throws are made with natural and sustainable materials by ethical Scottish firm, The Tartan Blanket Company.
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 will also benefit from an extensive makeover.
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.
The artwork and colour scheme of blues, greens, coppery tones and golds in the bedrooms and public areas takes inspiration from its location, quality of light and fishing boats on the shores of Loch Carron.
The wooden bed frames are also inspired by the local fishing boats and wider nautical environment.
Once again, the Inn will showcase local artists and photographers including Danny Campbell, Cath Waters of Skye, and Sam Bilner.
Created in April 2021, Highland Coast Hotels is a Scottish-based group aiming to bring innovative, sustainable and community-led hospitality to the stunning coastlines of the North Highlands of Scotland. Highland Coast Hotels intends to strengthen and enhance the hotels it owns, as well as boost regional growth.
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 has 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; Royal Golf Hotel in Dornoch, which is positioned on the first tee of one of the top four most revered links golf courses in the world; as well as the Royal Marine Hotel in Brora, which is situated close to popular golf courses, stunning beaches and world-renowned distilleries.
The redevelopment of Tongue Hotel and Plockton Inn has been supported by Highlands & Islands Enterprise.
