Major investment at historic hotel

A Lochaber hotel famed for its place in Scottish history is about to undergo a major transformation.

Award winning Ballachulish House, which dates back to 1640, has announced a £120,000 investment for the eight-bedroom luxury accommodation and accompanying Dragons Tooth Golf Course. The development is being assisted by Lochaber Enterprise.

The five-star attraction which has won Michelin and AA recognition is investing in new kitchen facilities at Ballachulish House which will improve the quality of food even further, enhancing their already prestigious reputation for quality cuisine.

Professional equipment at the Dragons Tooth Golf Course will increase the overall quality of the golf course which should attract a wider golfing market. Upgraded catering equipment at the club house will also offer a more comprehensive range of services making the whole facility more appealing to visitors from home and abroad.

Once home to the Stewart's of Appin, Ballachulish House has played a key role in Scots history including the massacre of Glencoe in 1692 and the Jacobite Rebellion in 1745. It is also linked to the murder of the King's Factor in 1752 depicted in Robert Louis Stevenson's novel 'Kidnapped'.  

Manager of Ballachulish House Marie McLaughlin, who has recently been named Scottish Hotelier of the Year for 2005 said: "We have been growing the business since 1999 and this investment is a logical progression for us.

"The new kitchen facilities will improve capacity and add to the award winning reputation for first class food we have thanks to our chef Allan Donald. Improving the overall standard of the golf course, both in terms of the grounds and the catering available in the club house, will help complement what we have achieved at Ballachulish House and provide more opportunity for growth in the future."

Lochaber Enterprise, part of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) network, has approved assistance totalling £23,720 including approvals under the European funded HIE Quality and HIE Activity 2 schemes.

Chief executive of Lochaber Enterprise Charlotte Wright said: "This development will help position Ballachulish House as a destination in its own right and will create additional local employment. It will also complement other facilities found in the area."

"Exploiting niche markets like golf, providing luxury accommodation and a high quality dining experience for visitors and locals alike are high priorities for tourism in the Lochaber area." 

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