PICTURES: Dornoch Hotel set to be relaunched at the end of the month following multi-million renovation. Take a peek inside
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
An East Sutherland hotel is set to be relaunched at the end of this month following an extensive, multi-million renovation.
American private real estate and hospitality company Adventurous Journeys Capital Partners (A J Capital) is to reopen the Dornoch Hotel, now renamed Dornoch Station, on Monday, August 28.
The Nashville based company bought the property, located just a short walk from the first fairway of Royal Dornoch Golf Club, in September 2022 from Bespoke Hotels and it has since been under restoration.
AJ Capital runs a collection of bespoke hotels located in premier golf destinations under the Marine & Lawn Hotels and Resorts brand.
The Dornoch Station is the fifth property in the Marine & Lawn portfolio and its first in the Highlands.
Its name has been changed in homage to its original title - the Station Hotel.
A J Capital’s in-house interior design team have led the restoration and are said to have been “inspired by the Scottish Highlands, hunting cabins, and lodges around Loch Ness".
The hotel now features 89 spacious guest rooms and all new public spaces, with the grounds now home to a new putting green and fire pits.
A spokesman for the hospitality company said: “Seaside themes can be found across the hotel, with shell-shaped lighting installations and wood carved lighthouse shaped tables in the bedrooms.
“The rooms mirror cosy Highland cottages, with custom wallpaper inspired by natural colours, fauna and flora. Velvet lounge chairs are positioned by the windows, encouraging guests to take in the scenic Dornoch Firth views.
“A warm and comfortable spot, the bar features natural colours with green tiles celebrating the golf lawn, and Royal Dornoch Golf Club tartan adorns the walls surrounding a snooker table.
“Guests can leave behind golf balls representing their home courses to create an experience of pilgrimage for keen players around the world. The ever-evolving collection lines the moulding of the space.”
A J Capital has announced two new “food and beverage offerings” at Dornoch Station - the Golden Gorse and Bar Ross.
The spokesperson continued: “A destination restaurant with stunning views over the Royal Dornoch Links and sea beyond, the Golden Gorse will offer a seasonal, all day a-la-carte menu, afternoon tea and Sunday Roast menu.
“The Golden Gorse takes its namesake from gorse plants which have a cheerful yellow blooming flowers and heady scent in the summer in Sutherland.
“The Bar Ross will offer classic cocktails and a wide selection of whiskies, wines, and beers alongside Scottish bar snacks.
“Bar Ross takes its name from Dornoch native Donald Ross, the famous golf course architect who learned the game on Royal Dornoch’s links."
AJ Capital is also opening another hotel on September 1 - the Slieve Donard, located next to the Royal County Down Golf Club in Northern Ireland.
Phillip Allen, president of Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts said: ““We are thrilled to be bringing not one, but two new properties into the Marine & Lawn portfolio, including our first outside of Scotland.”
“Our team has taken great care to refurbish these storied, local gems and bring them to brand standards that meet the needs of the discerning traveller.
“We look forward to reintroducing Dornoch Station and Slieve Donard to travellers and offering a hospitality experience inspired by these world-class golf destinations.”
Also in the firm's portfolio are: Rusacks St Andrews in St Andrews; Marine North Berwick in North Berwick; Marine Troon in Troon; and Adelphi Portrush in Portrush, Northern Ireland, which is currently under development.
Previous owner Bespoke Hotels took over the Dornoch Hotel from Shearings around 2017.
