Major improvements are currently underway at a large hotel in Ullapool which will in turn create several new full-time jobs.

The Royal Hotel is owned by Franco Calistri, who bought it last year, and has forty years of experience in the hospitality industry. 

The developments will be carried out over the next three years, working towards attaining a Bronze award at the VisitScotland Green Tourism Scheme - improving the quality of facility on offer in Ullapool. 

Franco and his wife, Margaret intend to relocated to Ullapool from Ayrshire, where he has been managing director of Redburn Hotel and the Dalry Inn for over twenty years.  He has recently sold the Redburn Hotel and is currently seeking to lease the Dalry Inn.  Marie Scott, executive manager, who has worked for Franco for over twenty years, has already willingly moved to the Royal Hotel.  Three other loyal members of staff, including Neil Roberts, executive chef and assistant manager, have also moved and will help oversee the current future developments.  

The Royal Hotel is situated in a prominent position in Ullapool, on Garve Road with views over Loch Broom.  It was built in the nineteenth century when Ullapool was a remote little fishing village with little tourist traffic.  At that time, the hotel's main function was the western link in the Garve-Ullapool horse drawn mail coach service. 

The 52 En-suite rooms will be upgraded to meet the demands of the 21st century tourism market.  Significant modernisation has been carried out already, including window replacement, creation of an internet-room, upgrading of kitchen facilities, renewal of laundry equipment and much needed upgrading of staff accommodation.  The function room has been redecorated and refurnished ready for the first wedding. 

Complete refurbishment of all en-suite bathrooms is scheduled to be finished at the end of May 2006.  Franco has set aside a considerable budget for further improvements that will be carried out over the next three years to give the hotel a comprehensive overhaul that will completely transform the town's largest hotel. 

HIE Skye and Wester Ross is supporting the project with a development and building grant of £57,500 which will go towards Franco's own contribution.  

Franco is very excited about his new venture.  He said:  "Tourism is extremely valuable to Ullapool's economy and the availability of hotel accommodation of this standard will no doubt help to attract new visitors to the area.   The refurbishment of 52 rooms is a massive task and we are already seeing the hotel being transformed."

He went on to say:  "It is a lovely old building, with lots of character and a great location with fantastic views of Ullapool harbour. We are ultimately aiming to secure three-star status for the hotel from VisitScotland."

Raine Maclennan, development manager from the local enterprise company said:  "We are pleased to support such a wonderful venture.  It is clear from Franco's energy and enthusiasm that he is keen for the hotel developments to be carried out to make it an excellent place for visitors to the area to stay.  The upgrading of the hotel, along with Franco's excellent marketing activities, is set to attract more tourists to the area and help raise Ullapool's profile as an attractive visitor destination.  The improvements to the facilities will help improve the quality, competitiveness and sustainability of accommodation available to tourists visiting the area."