The Torridon Hotel in Wester Ross is undergoing a major revamp as part of plans to broaden its appeal to a “wider clientele”.
Located at Annat, about 60 miles from Inverness on the west coast, the award-winning hotel aims to up its game at the luxury end of the market.
Around £140,000 is being invested in the refurbishment, which is expected to deliver major improvements to the bedrooms and information technology infrastructure.
Better external lighting and a spruce-up for the surrounding grounds are also on the cards after Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) chipped in £40,000 towards the overall project.
The former shooting lodge, built for the first Earl of Lovelace in 1887, is owned and operated by husband and wife team Daniel and Rohaise Rose-Bristow.
It was previously owned by David and Geraldine Gregory, Rohaise’s parents.
As well as their 18-bedroom hotel and restaurant, the Rose-Bristows and their 58-acre estate at the end of a sea loch also boast a 12-bedroom inn, activity centre, self-catering boat house and a herd of Highland cattle.
Mr Rose-Bristow said: “We are always looking for ways to enhance our facilities and give visitors more choice. These upgrades will help us compete on a national and international level more effectively and open the door to a wider clientele across the whole business.
“Improving the visitor experience at the hotel, inn and activity centre will build our reputation further, provide a consistent level of service across our facilities and maximise opportunities presented by the family market and adventure tourism.”
The latest work continues The Torridon’s step change in business direction over recent years, having successfully completed two growth plans with HIE’s involvement.
Raine MacLennan, HIE development manager for Lochaber, Skye and Wester Ross, said: “There is a strong reliance on tourism in Wester Ross and by employing the equivalent of 37 full-time staff, The Torridon makes a major economic contribution in this remote community.
“These new developments will help push up the quality of accommodation in the Highlands and Islands as well as Scotland as a whole.
“Dan and Rohaise have a very good understanding of The Torridon’s position in the marketplace and are keen to capitalise further on growing market segments and initiatives like the North Coast 500 touring route.”
The Torridon is a two-time winner of the AA’s Scottish Hotel of the Year award.
Celebrity guests over the years include Claire Danes, Michelle Pfeiffer and Mark Strong, who were there during the filming of 2007 movie Stardust.
