An Inverness hotel said yesterday it had completed its fourth acquisition in two years after snapping up the guest house next door.
Glen Mhor Hotel and Apartments is thought to have spent about £500,000 on the takeover and refurbishment of the Ness Bank Guest House.
It follows deals for the Alexander Guest House, the Brae Ness Hotel and the River House.
The latest transaction adds four new bedrooms and an apartment to Glen Mhor’s portfolio.
It means the hotel has doubled in size over the last five years.
Glen Mhor now has 75 bedrooms and 11 apartments, compared to 44 bedrooms half a decade ago.
Owners Jon and Victoria Erasmus are also investing in the hotel’s new bar, Nicky Tam’s, which will replace the former bistro, Nico’s.
The owners’ plan is for Nicky Tam’s to sell craft beer from a new multi-million pound microbrewery they are developing on the site.
Councillors approved a revised application for the brewery in September, a year after the initial proposal had been rejected over concerns about parking, noise pollution and fears it would obstruct views of the river.
Mr Erasmus said the deal for Ness Bank was a clear sign of his commitment to the Highland capital and of his belief it can attract ever increasing numbers of tourists.
Mr Erasmus said: “The purchase of the former Ness Bank Guest House, closer to the Castle end of Ness Bank, is a significant investment for the business. It is also a reflection of our confidence in Inverness as a city and our product.”
“Inverness is becoming a year-round tourist destination and we are always looking to meet demand and give customers what they want, whether here for business or to tour the highlands.
“All the bedrooms are brand new, as are the bathrooms, and the first guests have commented favourably on the riverside view, comfort and the quality of furnishings.
“Returning Nicky Tam’s bar to its original concept, with a larger, open and informal bar with traditional fare, is also a major change for us and we are very positive for the future, especially after planning officials granted permission to bring the tradition of brewing back to this part of Inverness.”
Glen Mhor also announced a new appointment yesterday. The business has brought in Hanna Garrett, previously of Novotel in Leeds, to work as its new sales and marketing manager.
