News and Views from Scotland





Crieff Hydro Pushes the Boat Out



Ballachulish Hotel © Chris Downer via Wikimedia Commons




The Crieff Hydro Group has recently announced the purchase of the Ballachulish Hotel (pictured above) and the Isles of Glencoe Hotel. It now operates a portfolio of six hotels, including the Peebles Hydro (pictured left).

The 59 bedroom Isles of the Glencoe Hotel was purpose built in the 1990s on the shoreline of Loch Leven on the edge of the village of Ballachulish. With loch views from the restaurant and bar, and its own swimming pool, this hotel has been a popular destination for couples and families exploring the west coast.

The 53 bedroom Ballachulish Hotel has been a base for travellers for over 100 years. Ballachulish has been the crossing point of Loch Linnhe for centuries, first by ferry and more recently across the Bridge.

Stephen Leckie (pictured on the right), CEO, commented:

"We have proven so far that with local management and involving people who are passionate about Scotland in the business, they can be a great success. We look forward to seeing these businesses continue to grow"

Crieff Hydro has been operating since 1868 and remains in the ownership of the founding family. In the Victorian era water based remedies were very popular and a number of hydropathic institutions were built throughout Europe, often in spa towns.

For many years there was a strong religious connection with Crieff hydro and it was teetotal until 1994. It was a standing joke that much sherry was consumed out of residents' tooth mugs before the first bar was opened in the hotel.

These days are long gone and Crieff Hydro's 200 rooms and 50 self-catering properties are modern and the resort offers a range of activities in this delightful part of Perthshire.

You can see more pictures and videos of Crieff Hydro inside and out at Crieff Hydro Media Club




Please give me whatever feedback comes to mind via david@rampantscotland.com.

David
August 2016

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