A NEW country hotel has opened in the Highlands following more than £12m of investment in three properties by the Black Sheep Hotel group, under the ownership of Indian millionaire Sanjay Narang.
Rokeby Manor, located on the outskirts of Invergarry, opened this week following a major refurbishment programme and is soon to be followed by The Cluanie Inn and The Whispering Pine Lodge.
Indian businessman Sanjay Narang and his sister Rachna travelled to the Highlands last year for a hiking holiday. However, despite having a less than favourable stay they loved the area and from that established the Black Sheep Hotel group. Mr Narang has also subsequently relocated from India to Glengarry.
Formerly called Craigard Guest House, Rokeby Manor is a Victorian country house built in 1840 and retains many of its original features.
The 13-ensuite bedroom property has been fully refurbished and includes the restaurant ‘Emily’s Byre’, which serves authentic Indian cuisine allowing travellers to experience truly affordable luxury in the Highlands.
The Black Sheep Hotel group which includes, Rokeby Manor, The Whispering Pine Lodge (formerly the Letterfinlay Lodge) at Spean Bridge and The Cluanie Inn at Glenmoriston, cost the siblings £3m and they have invested another £9m into the refurbishment programme, with Rachna heading up on the design side.
Under the ownership of Mars Enterprise and Hospitality, Black Sheep Hotels is the company’s first venture in Scotland, taking their expertise in hospitality from their hotels and restaurants in Mumbai.
Commenting on the opening of Rokeby Manor, Mr Narang said: “We are delighted to be opening the first of our Black Sheep Hotels at Rokeby Manor, bringing together our considerable experience and expertise in the hospitality sector in order to provide a distinctive and authentic experience for our guests.
“We fell in love with the Highlands on our first visit and decided to make this considerable investment, ensuring that other visitors can be as impressed as we are with the beauty of the area.”
The other properties in the collection, are due to open later this summer.
