Boost for Bosville

The Bosville Hotel in Portree recently began a challenging expansion phase, including the purchase and renovation of the property adjacent to the Bosville Hotel, formerly known as the King's Haven Guest House.

The Bosville Hotel was established in 1965 by Donald MacLeod's parents and is part of MacLeod Hotels UK Ltd.

Donald was inspired by Skye and Lochalsh Enterprise's (SALE) 'Who Cares Wins' initiative, a customer care scheme which helps businesses to recognise the advantages of providing consistent high quality customer service, through a series of events and training seminars.

Donald saw the opportunity to develop the business, and has built on their excellent reputation for cuisine, they already have two AA Rosettes for Food Excellence and their Chandlery Restaurant run by head chef John Kelly, recently won the prestigious award 'Scottish Restaurant of the Year 2004' (SLTN Awards).

Initial building works on the ground floor of the King's Haven were completed in 2003, with the development of the Merchant Bar, a sophisticated and stylish public bar.

The hotel also appointed Susan MacLeod to a newly created post, head of quality, and an intensive customer care programme was implemented.  This had an immediate impact on staff confidence and feedback forms demonstrate a high level of customer satisfaction.

The hotel is investing in ongoing quality development with the upgrade addressing the growing demand for quality accommodation all year round in Skye and Lochalsh.

The development that is taking place includes the upgrade of the Bosville's reception, dining room, kitchen, toilets, office and conference facilities, enhancing the high quality service provided by the hotel.

Donald MacLeod said: "We have a good strategic plan for the future growth of the Bosville Hotel and we will be working hard to achieve our goals.  The quality of the food now available to us on Skye is a significant factor to our award winning success, this, coupled with high quality talented individuals who make up a formidable team led by Chef John Kelly.

"We are committed to providing a refreshingly different approach to our products and services which comprise of food, drink and providing stress reducing guest accommodation.  We will continue to drive through measurable quality indicators which, I believe, will lead to increased customer satisfaction and the future prosperity of the company.  The ball is now rolling and we intend to keep it rolling."

The development of the hotel will lead to the creation of five full time equivalent jobs, in addition to the current staffing level of 41.  The jobs will be created in housekeeping, reception and the kitchen.

SALE is providing a building and development grant totalling £24,700 to assist the project.  SALE has also assisted with e-advice to update the present computer system.
 
The Bosville's web site was one of the first designed for a Skye hotel, but has not been updated since its inception nine years ago.  Although the hotel has been successful and continues to improve each year, the ability to develop fully was hindered by a lack of proper e-business facilities. 

The new modern system allows fast and reliable communication with an online booking facility enabling guests to check availability on line and book accommodation immediately.

Commenting on the improvements Carole Inglis, a development manager with SALE, said: "We are delighted to be able to work with Mr MacLeod on this project.  Not only is the development of the Bosville Hotel creating valuable new jobs but it is also providing accommodation of a very high standard that will no doubt help to attract new visitors to Skye and hopefully encourage more repeat visits."