The Tongue Hotel and the Plockton Inn on the North Coast 500 route, have re-opened following a £1.8 investment by owners Highland Coast Hotels.
Both historic venues have been given a contemporary new look inspired by their locations after a four-month refurbishment. Tongue enjoys breath-taking views over the Kyle of Tongue, Ben Loyal and Ben Hope while the village of Plockton is affectionately known as ‘The Jewel of the Highlands’ and overlooks Loch Carron. It was the location for the popular BBC TV series ‘Hamish Macbeth’, starring Robert Carlyle.
Tongue Hotel, which is a former 19th century sporting lodge, now offers 19 individually-styled guest rooms and a newly refurbished restaurant and bar, all overseen by General Manager, Marcel Wassen.
While Paul Arcarias has been appointed as the new General Manager of Plockton Inn, which has been reduced from 14 rooms to 12 to allow for larger en-suite bathrooms for selected rooms. The makeover of Plockton Inn also includes ‘Sorley’s House’ in the building opposite, which takes its name from the famous Scottish poet, Sorley MacLean, who lived on the site for a number of years.
Tongue Hotel also has a new 40-cover destination restaurant ‘Varrich’ which takes inspiration from the remains of Castle Varrich on the headland opposite. Head Chef, Sumit Dhar, is leading a team of seven to offer seasonal menus.
The newly refurbished 80-cover Plockton Inn, Restaurant and Bar retain the existing period features, whilst taking contemporary design inspiration from its location, quality of light and fishing boats on the shores of Loch Carron.
Head Chef, Steven New, and Portfolio Head Chef, Eric Lionnet, are leading a team of eight to offer seasonal menus brimming with local produce.
The Plockton Inn also has a garden between Sorley’s House and the bay where a rapid service seafood operation, The Outside Inn, will offer a wide selection of delicious seafood and other locally sourced delicacies.
David Whiteford, Chairman of Highland Coast Hotels, said, “We’re extremely proud to have reached this significant milestone in the development of Highland Coast Hotels.
“We’ve reopened the doors to The Tongue Hotel and Plockton Inn, unveiling our contemporary makeover for these two iconic and historic hotels. As with each of our six venues across the North Highlands, our focus continues to be on creating environmentally-friendly hotels and supporting local communities, suppliers, producers, designers and artists.
“Guest can look forward to our famous Highland welcome in areas of outstanding natural beauty, as well as sampling the best local, seasonal food and drink.
Since 2021, Highland Coast Hotels has acquired another four of the region’s landmark hotels, including Kylesku Hotel, in the far West Highlands; Newton Lodge overlooking Loch Glencoul; the Royal Golf Hotel in Dornoch, as well as the Royal Marine Hotel in Brora.
The redevelopment of Tongue Hotel and Plockton Inn has been supported by Highlands & Islands Enterprise.