Highland Coast Hotels sites to undergo £1.8m refurb

Highland Coast Hotels has unveiled plans for a £1.8m refurbishment of two of its venues in the Scottish Highlands. Tongue Hotel, located on the North Coast 500, and Plockton Inn in Wester Ross will re-open in early April 2023 following an extensive, three-month refurbishment supported by Rona Douglas Interiors. According to the group, both sites will be given a “contemporary new look” inspired by their locations in areas of outstanding natural beauty. Tongue Hotel, a former 19th Century sporting lodge, will feature 19 individually-styled guest rooms and a newly refurbished restaurant and bar, whilst retaining historic features such as original wood panelling, antique furnishings and open fires. It will also feature 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 is described as having a “sumptuous and decadent” feel, complete with free-standing roll top bath, rich and textured soft furnishings, and an open fireplace. The rooms’ velvet curtain fabrics 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’ is inspired by 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 Brass Tap Bar will also undergo an extensive makeover. Meanwhile, Plockton Inn will see its 14 bedrooms reduced to 12 to allow for larger en-suite bathrooms for selected rooms. Its refurbishment will also include ‘Sorley’s House’ in the building opposite. 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 take inspiration from its location, quality of light and fishing boats on the shores of Loch Carron. The Inn will also showcase local artists and photographers including Danny Campbell, Cath Waters of Skye, and Sam Bilner. David Whiteford, chair 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.” He added: “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.”