Highland Coast Hotels announce tourism and jobs boost in ‘Jewel of the Highlands’

Highland Coast Hotels has announced its plans to boost tourism and local employment opportunities in Plockton this spring.

The Scottish-based hotel group is the new owner of The Haven on Innes Street, which will become part of the existing Plockton Inn and provide an additional 20 en-suite guest rooms, as well as a spacious breakfast room for all the Inn guests and a cosy residential lounge.

The Haven is located adjacent to Plockton Inn on the main road into the village as it reaches the spectacular Plockton bay. Sorley’s House is also part of the existing Plockton Inn and is situated in the building opposite.

The latest development will help the Plockton Inn achieve its objective of creating a sustainable year-round hospitality business in the village. Plockton is affectionately known as ‘The Jewel of the Highlands’ and sits on a sheltered bay overlooking Loch Carron.

Guy Crawford, CEO of Highland Coast Hotels, said:

“As part of our ongoing investment and commitment to employment opportunities and community-led hospitality, we’re delighted to announce that The Haven will become part of the Plockton Inn product offer this spring.

“With its traditional charm and authenticity, The Haven is the perfect fit for Highland Coast Hotels, offering an additional 20 en-suite guest rooms.

“Previous owner Lynn Henderson has done an amazing job of building the reputation of The Haven over the recent years. We look forward to building on her legacy and taking The Haven to the next stage of its development as a hotel for overnight guests and as a local community hub with a warm welcome for everyone.”

Highland Coast Hotels has secured financial support from the Scottish National Investment Bank (SNIB), Highlands & Islands Enterprise and other key stakeholders for the Plockton Inn redevelopment as a sustainable year-round business in the village.

Mr Crawford added:

“This latest investment is a clear indication of the solid confidence that Scottish National Investment Bank and our other key stakeholders have in the Highland tourism and hospitality industry, which has faced a number of unprecedented challenges over the last few years. As well as growing the local tourism economy, we now hope to create lasting professional careers in hospitality that will benefit the whole community.”

Paul Arcari the current general manager of Plockton Inn will lead with his team of hospitality professionals across the three Plockton Inn buildings in the village.

The 80-cover Plockton Inn restaurant and bar will continue to offer seasonal menus brimming with local produce, including wonderfully fresh langoustines from Loch Carron, known locally as Plockton Prawns. The bar showcases local ales from Plockton and whisky from Torabhaig, Raasay and Talisker Distilleries.

Created in April 2021, Highland Coast Hotels is a Scottish-based group aiming to bring innovative, sustainable and community-led hospitality to the stunning coastlines of the North Highlands of Scotland. Highland Coast Hotels intends to strengthen and enhance the hotels it owns, as well as boost regional growth.

Since 2021, Highland Coast Hotels has acquired seven of the region’s leading hotels, including the award-winning Kylesku Hotel, overlooking the beautiful Loch Gleann Dubh; Newton Lodge, overlooking Loch Glencoul; Tongue Hotel, overlooking the Kyle of Tongue, Ben Loyal and Ben Hope; Plockton Inn, overlooking Loch Carron; Royal Golf Hotel, Dornoch, which is positioned on the first tee of one of the top four most revered links golf courses in the world; and Royal Marine Hotel, Brora, which is situated close to popular golf courses, stunning beaches and world-renowned distilleries.