NC500 Highland hotel group passionate about ensuring year-long employment and investing in community
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SINCE its inception in 2021, Highland Coast Hotels has prioritised creating year-round employment for residents in the Highlands. The company has generated up to 100 jobs across its portfolio, which includes the Kylesku Hotel, Newton Lodge, Lochardil House, Plockton Inn, Royal Golf Hotel, Royal Marine Hotel, and Tongue Hotel.
Recognising the importance of sustaining local economies, the company has adapted its business model to ensure that hotels remain open throughout the year. This shift provides stability and long-term employment, reducing seasonal workers to stay in their communities.
“We are deeply committed to keeping local talent in the Highlands by offering year-round employment. Our aim is to support our communities by ensuring that individuals do not need to leave their hometowns to seek stable careers,” says Kenny McMillan, managing director of Highland Coast Hotels.
Highland Coast Hotels takes ingredients from local suppliers, ensuring its menus highlight the Highland’s rich natural larder. The company partners with renowned producers such as Ardgay Game and Sea Stocks to showcase the best of regional cuisine.
Seafood lovers can enjoy the freshest catches sourced from anchorage and mussels from Loch Gleann Dubh, providing.
Additionally, the company’s bars prominently feature products from local breweries and distilleries such as Black Isle Brewery and Clynelish, offering guests an authentic taste of the Highlands.
“Our food and drink offerings celebrate the exceptional produce of the region. By working with local suppliers, we not only provide our guests with the freshest ingredients but also support local businesses and producers,” says Kenny.
Beyond food and drink, Highland Coast Hotels extends its local sourcing initiative to other essentials. The company has partnered with Highland Blindcraft Beds to supply over 220 beds across its hotels, ensuring comfort while supporting a local social enterprise. Additionally, Highland the company’s commitment to partnerships that are based within the Highlands.
The company’s dedication to nurturing young talent is evident in its Hospitality Apprenticeship. With local schools, the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), and Skills Development Scotland, Highland Coast Hotels provides hands-on training in kitchen, front-of-house, and management roles.
Kenny explains: “Our apprenticeship scheme equips young people with the skills and experience they need to build successful careers in hospitality without having to leave their local communities.”
By retaining skilled workers in rural areas, the programme plays a crucial role in strengthening the local workforce, helping to sustain and grow the hospitality sector in the Highlands.
Highland Coast Hotels is dedicated to creating vibrant social spaces by hosting regular community events and live entertainment. Traditional acoustic music sessions, quiz nights, and seasonal celebrations such as Burns Suppers and Valentine’s specials provide guests and locals with engaging cultural experiences.
“We actively involve local musicians and performers in our events, ensuring that our hotels become gathering places for locals as well as celebrating our Highland culture,” says Kenny.
In addition to seasonal events, the company encourages collaboration through biannual community liaison meetings, where local businesses can share ideas and work together to enhance the region’s hospitality and tourism sector.
To support its growing workforce and address the housing shortage in the north of Scotland, Highland Coast Hotels provides affordable and comfortable staff accommodation at select locations. This initiative ensures that seasonal workers have a home within easy reach of their workplace, allowing them to integrate seamlessly into the local community while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Kenny says: “Investing in staff housing is crucial for attracting and retaining top talent. It allows us to provide consistent, high-quality service to our guests while ensuring our employees feel valued and supported.”
By keeping communities at the heart of its operations, the company not only enhances the visitor experience but also contributes to the long-term prosperity of the region.
Kenny concludes: “We are immensely proud of what we have achieved so far, and we remain dedicated to growing in a way employees, and local businesses.”
Stratherrick Rd, Inverness IV2 4LF
T: 01408 623800
E: reservations@highlandcoasthotels.com
W: www.highlandcoasthotels.com
