Highland Coast Hotels acquires Tongue hotel

Highland Coast Hotels has acquired the 19-bedroom Tongue hotel, with a full refurbishment of the property's public areas planned as well as a light refurbishment of the bedrooms.

Built in the mid-1800s when it was owned by the Duke of Sutherland, the hotel is former sporting lodge in the Highland village of Tongue on the far north coast.

The property is the latest in the group's acquisition spree, taking it to six hotels, including the Plockton Inn, the Kylesku, Newton Lodge, the Royal Golf and the Royal Marine.

David and Lorraine Hook, departing owners of the hotel, said: "We have had a wonderful 15 years at the Tongue hotel and are incredibly proud of everything we achieved, however it's now time for us to pass the baton onto Highland Coast Hotels. Thank you to those who have supported us, from our always-enthusiastic team, to loyal guests and the local community in Tongue. We are reassured that you will be well-looked after by Highland Coast Hotels. Having worked closely with the team over the last year, we are sure that the group will only build on our successes and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for the hotel."

Highland Coast Hotels said the community was "at the heart of every decision we make" and, as with the group's other hotels, it will set up a community liaison group to act as a forum for locals to give feedback on plans. Residents can also sign up for a community card to give them discounts in the bar, restaurant and accommodation across the group's hotels.