An ex-Army man is close to accomplishing his dream of opening a safe space for veterans in the Highlands after three years of hard work.
Tony Brown has been working on transforming the Ossian Hotel in Kincraig, near Kingussie.
He has been tearing out the interiors of the former hotel to create Forces Manor, a space for veterans like him to get away and rehabilitate.
Mr Brown grew up in a children’s home, and remembers trips to the Ossian Hotel as a teenager fondly – seeing them as a proper escape.
In 2008, the owner of the hotel sold to Mr Brown and he decided to create a retreat for veterans like him.
He has a deep connection with the army describing it as his “first real home and first real chance in life”, spending 42 years in service from the age of 16.
In 2021, he was diagnosed with PTSD caused by his traumatic childhood, but he will not let it stop him from realising his dream.
What work has been done to the grand old hotel?
Mr Brown has taken what was once a traditional nine-bedroom B&B and transformed it into a modern multi-purpose property.
After successfully applying for planning permission, he got to work adding seven extra bedrooms, two new kitchens, a conference room, a veterans lounge, and a military library.
In addition, the premises now has a garden lodge, a one-bedroom flat and a one-bedroom apartment suite.
Mr Brown was given compensation for his “horrific” time in care and has used that money to pay for the renovations, estimating a total project cost of around £250,000.
“I didn’t want the money,” he said. “You can’t pay someone to right the past, so I decided to donate the money to this project. It just felt right.
“I don’t use my past as an excuse, so I always try to turn negatives into positives. I am who I am, not what I was and so that has made the project that much more special.”
The project has not been without challenges, but Mr Brown is hopeful his labour of love will help countless people.
Self-help is available for everyone.
The Forces Manor aims to foster a welcoming community within its walls, whether it be veterans, locals or children.
Already several organisations about going to the premises, attracted by its nature activities such as walking, hiking and wildlife photography.
Mr Brown, who has the support of 19-year-old daughter Cara, said: “Community is paramount because most of us that served in the forces bond so closely because we are all young when we first join and none of us joins for money.
“We joined for the camaraderie and the adventure and when you get older you miss that. I am at my happiest when I am around ex-servicemen.”
In addition to veterans and ex-service people, the Forces Manor will operate as a day centre for people in the local area.
“Forces Manor it’s not about me, it’s about the forces, the veterans and vulnerable kids in care, it’s about the locals, it’s about doing the right thing for the right reasons.
“I’m proud of what I have achieved, something I’ve done largely single-handed.”
Forces Manor will fully open later this year.
Conversation