A Scottish hotel group is preparing to emerge from lockdown with a six-figure investment in the highlands – with the aim of delivering a boost to tourism once travel restrictions are lifted.
Crerar Hotel Group is investing the £500k plus sum in The Glencoe Inn to create the ultimate boutique hotel experience at the heart of the world-famous glen.
The significant spend will see bedrooms, food and drink offering and outdoor areas of the four-star highland property revamped in preparation for re-opening following lockdown.
All 15 bespoke bedrooms and bathrooms will be fully refurbished with luxury in mind including king-size beds, and baths that boast unrivalled views across Loch Leven and the Pap of Glencoe.
The outdoor ‘Hidden Garden’ spa will offer a thermal experience with hot tub and sauna, against one of Scotland’s most awe-inspiring backdrops, exclusively for guests.
Guests can continue to soak up the Glencoe Inn’s outstanding views from the new deck area, complete with relaxing lounge furniture and fire pits for the ultimate outdoor relaxation experience.
A brand-new bistro, with a menu featuring native grass-fed Scottish beef from the Crerar Home Farm and the finest Scottish seafood, will debut alongside the unique ‘Red Shed Pizzas’ – authentic, rustic pizzas made with hybrid yeast and sourdough based and served fresh from a brand-new outdoor wood-fired oven.
The Gathering, the hotel’s much-loved bar and grill will continue to serve Scottish steaks and burgers alongside its famous fish and chip suppers.
Crerar Hotels’ investment in The Glencoe Inn comes just months after the group announced a project with over £3 million being sent to develop The Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa, bringing an upgraded 4-star hotel to the Island of Mull.
Chris Wayne-Wills, CEO of Crerar Hotels, said: “Investing in our hotels to offer guests the highest standards and best possible experience has been an absolute priority over the past few years, and has continued despite the industry-wide impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
“This significant investment in The Glencoe Inn will create a small boutique hotel experience in the highlands that offers low key luxury, with the finest Scottish hospitality set against one of the country’s most beautiful landscapes.
“Once the restrictions begin to lift, people will be eager to travel and explore, and looking for ways to reconnect with family and friends, in a safe environment. When works are completed around mid-April, The Glencoe Inn will offer the ultimate getaway to enjoy all that Scotland has to offer.
“These major investments in Mull and Glencoe reaffirm our commitment both to the guest experience in these iconic locations and also the employee experience with Crerar Hotels. We are further committing to guarantee at least living wage earnings for all employees at these hotels alongside real career development and training for all of our colleagues.”
Paddy Crerar CBE, Chairman of Crerar Hotels, said: “The challenging circumstances over the past year have driven our appetite to breathe life back into the Scottish tourism and hospitality industries, and we aim to be ready to welcome guests as soon as we are able to open our doors.
“We have continued to invest in our offering and our refurbishment of The Glencoe Inn simply cements our commitment to making Scottish hospitality a real draw for tourists when they are able to travel again.
“Glencoe is Scotland’s most historic glen and undoubtedly one of the country’s most awe-inspiring and famous locations. Visitors can take in spectacular scenery, an abundance of Scottish wildlife and much more. Our investment will ensure that guests at The Glencoe Inn experience the full package – with an absolutely first-class service in outstanding surroundings that do justice to the world-class location the hotel occupies.”