Smoo Cave Hotel set to double in size
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One of the country’s remotest hotels is set to double in size because of a boom in staycations.
The iconic Smoo Cave Hotel at Durness is a popular pit stop on the North Coast 500 route.
It has been run for the past 16 years by Highland Councillor Hugh Morrison and his wife Frances and is near the famous Smoo Cave, which attracts around 90,000 visitors a year.
Smoo Cave is the largest coastline cave in the British Isles and has provided shelter for thousands of years.
It is believed to have been a Stone Age home more than 5,000 years ago with Norse settlers later gathering here to repair boats and fish for herring.
Sir Walter Scott visited on September 19, 1814. Noting his lamp on the dew-covered stalactites, Scott described it as the “effect of ten thousand birthday candles.
The cave boasts one of the largest entrances to any sea cave in Britain at 50 ft high.
It was formed by a burn that runs down into the rear chamber, as well as erosion caused by the sea.
Now The Morrisons want to attract more visitors to the stunning area and have applied for planning permission to add six bedrooms in an annex at what is mainland Britain’s most north westerly village - which is also near the Cape Wrath military range.
Mrs Morrison said:”The last season saw us booked out through to November and this year looks equally busy, when we are allowed to re-open.
“Staycations have increased while the number of B and Bs in Durness have declined because of covid worries and people retiring.
“At the moment we have six bedrooms but the demand is very high.
“We hope that this new development will help cater for the demand and shows our faith in the future of tourism in the area.”
If Highland Council approve the application, it is hoped to have the annex ready for next season.
