Funding award to Canna community visitor hub
A major project to create a new visitor hub on the island of Canna in Lochaber has secured a £20,000 contribution from HIE.
A major project is under way to improve the energy efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of Glenfinnan House Hotel in Lochaber.
The business has entered into a new contract with Inverlochy Castle Management International Limited who will take care of day to day operations.
The owners have secured up to £175,900 investment from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) towards the works, which will help boost annual turnover and support local jobs.
The renovation works include winter-proofing the building, installing double glazing, re-routing pipework and upgrading insulation.
This will help enable the hotel to expand its offering and remain open throughout the year.
The business, which plans to employ 20 people under Scotland’s fair work principles, is working towards becoming as environmentally sustainable as possible. In addition to improving energy efficiency, it will use local produce and minimise food waste.
Glenfinnan continues to be an attractive visitor destination, considerably enhanced by its proximity to the famous viaduct featured in the Harry Potter films. The area attracts around 500,000 visitors a year and this is expected to grow.
The provision of accommodation and food places is in high demand, particularly during peak season.
As well as helping to meet this demand and improve the capacity of Glenfinnan as a destination, Glenfinnan House Hotel is a key asset to the local economy, supporting other local businesses and providing rural employment.
Confirming the HIE funding, Elaine Jones senior development manager with the agency’s Lochaber, Skye and Wester Ross team, said:
“There are many aspects to this project. The improved energy efficiency will reduce costs and strengthen the business’s financial as well as environmental sustainability. It will enable business growth too and provide valuable rural employment all year round. This in turn will benefit other local businesses and help attract and accommodate more visitors.
“I’m very pleased we have been able to provide support and look forward to continuing to work with the new management company as the project develops.”
Jane MacFarlane Glasow, hotel owner, said:
“While we were devastated to say farewell to our excellent managers of 20 years (Duncan and Manja Gibson), we are very excited about Glenfinnan House Hotel’s new chapter under general manager, Johnny Ormenisan of ICMI. The hotel will once again be an integral part of the local community and economy, and we are extremely grateful to Elaine and her team at HIE without whom this project couldn’t have gone ahead.
“We would also like to give a big shout-out to Marie Lewis, our exceptional interior designer, and Stephen Faryma with his crack team of joiners, plumbers, tilers and electricians. Many other superb local businesses are also involved in the project – Fiona King of Grey Shed Interiors, Coast Construction, William Martin Decorators, Lochaber Stainless and more. Johnny and his team are very much looking forward to welcoming everyone to the hotel in May.”
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