Business description

Situation

The village of Lochailort is situated on the A830 known as the “road to the isles”, which runs from Fort William some 25 miles away to Mallaig 18 miles north, where you can still take the ferry “over the sea” to the Isle of Skye. The village is surrounded by some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery with lochs and rugged mountains all around. Nearby is Glenfinnan famous as the “Raising of the Standard” by Bonnie Prince Charlie and where a large monument marks the location. Nearby is a railway viaduct has featured in the Harry Potter films and which has now become a tourist attraction in its own right. There is an abundance of other attractions in the area for tourists, from mountaineering and hill walking to golden and white tailed eagles watching. Boat trips explore the islands of Rum and Canna along with whale watching. The area is also popular with both stalkers and fishermen both in fresh water and sea lochs. Surprising to many but this part of the country has a rail link with a station located at Lochailort. In the summer months the ”Jacobite” steam railway runs from Mallaig to Fort William though the line is also used by modern trains linking the two towns and the rest of the UK.

The Business

The Lochailort Inn is a well positioned roadside Inn which benefits from passing trade especially tourists in the summer months. The Inn is open all year round (except Christmas day), generating income from both tourists and regular local customers. It is open all day with food offered all day during the summer months. In the winter months the business opens in the evenings only. Income is generated from all sectors with the current breakdown of income being as follows:- Accommodation 46% Wet sales 29% and Food 25%. There is great potential to increase both the wet and food sales though the business currently generates a good profit margin. Another area of potential is to develop the Breakfast room for private functions ,meetings etc. Although the Inn attracts passing tourist trade, the business also attracts tourists via its own website at www.lochailortinn.co.uk . The business has been run by a husband and wife team since 2004 with help of a seasonal chef and other part-time staff, and has been placed on the market as they now wish to retire.

The Premises

It is believed that there has been an Inn on the site for hundreds of years. However following a devastating fire the Inn was rebuilt in the same visual style as the old Victorian Inn opening for business in 1997. This makes running of the Inn very efficient as it is a modern building with good insulation, double glazed windows, etc something that is appreciated in the depths of winter. The entrance from the front leads into a reception hall with reception office. This leads to the bar though it also has its own separate entrance. The bar is split into 2 areas with the bar area to one end with tiled floor, open fire and wall seating. To the other end is a dining area for 22 covers with a carpeted floor. There is a large bar counter with gantry behind. Off the bar/restaurant is a Sun Lounge with comfy sofas etc, where guests can enjoy a drink away from the bar or sit and read in comfort. The Breakfast room is usually set out for around 22 though can accommodate far more for meetings. Finally off the reception is a large bright room which is currently used as an extra office for the owners. This room could make an additional bedroom or another private room for meetings.

Letting Rooms

There are 11 letting rooms all with en-suite bathrooms. All rooms are either double or twin though 2 of the rooms can be used as family rooms with space for an additional bed. Each room is attractively decorated and have tea/coffee making facilities. Rooms are charged at £45.00 for a single occupancy and £39.50 per person for double/twin including breakfast.

Service areas

There is a well equipped commercial kitchen with much of the equipment having been renewed over the last 5 years. Other service rooms include dry goods store/cellar, ladies, gents and separate disabled person toilets.

Owners Accommodation

To the rear of the Inn is a purpose built owners house with a byre to one end. The house offers:- new Kitchen, Shower room, Double Bedroom and lounge with breathtaking views. There is also a bunkhouse which is currently used as chef’s accommodation.

Property information

Property:

Freehold

Living accommodation:

detached self contained 1 bedroom house with fantastic views

Other information

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