The Crieff Hydro group has bought two well-known west Highland hotels, expanding its Scottish portfolio to six.
The acquisition of the Isles of Glencoe Hotel and the Ballachulish Hotel for an undisclosed sum was announced by the company yesterday.
Both properties, which are situated around two miles apart in Lochaber and have 112 rooms between them, have been managed by the group since 2014.
The company said that over the past two years business had improved substantially, the number of employees had grown and the long-term future of the two hotels had been secured.
It plans to continue investing in both properties, starting this autumn with bedroom improvements.
Chief Executive, Stephen Leckie, said: “These two hotels complement the existing collection we own.
“Their family-feel, great locations, access to beautiful scenery and warm homely feeling just make them a perfect fit.
“We have proven so far that with local management and involving people who are passionate about Scotland in the business, they can be a great success. We look forward to seeing these businesses continue to grow.”
The 59-bedroom Isles of Glencoe Hotel was purpose built in the 1990’s on the shoreline of Loch Leven, on the edge of the village of Ballachulish. With loch views from the restaurant and bar and its own swimming pool, the hotel has been a popular destination for visitors exploring the west coast.
With 53 bedrooms, the Ballachulish Hotel dates back to Victorian times and is situated beside the Ballachulish Bridge, which crosses the narrows between Loch Leven and Loch Linnhe.
Crieff Hydro, which claims to be Scotland’s oldest trading company, reported group revenue of £24.2m for the year to 29 February when it released its 149th set of annual accounts earlier this year.
The company worked with Santander bank on financing the purchase of the two Lochaber hotels.
In addition to Crieff Hydro Hotel and Murraypark, in Perthshire, it owns two hotels in Peebles, the Peebles Hyro and The Park. It also manages the Yorkshire Hotel, in Harrogate, and the Oban Caledonian Hotel.
Last month the group’s plan for a £100m expansion of the Crieff Hydro, which has 200 bedrooms and 50 self-catering lodges, was rejected by Perth and Kinross Council.
The proposal included plans for 200 holiday lodges, a 100-bed care home and assisted living accommodation for a further 100 people, as well as a farm shop, cafe and new leisure facilities. The company announced it intended to appeal the council’s decision.
