A HIGHLAND hospitality business has secured a £50,000 investment from an investment bank – making it the first Highland company to benefit from its Scottish fund.
Highland Hilly Huts, a small hospitality operator based in Drumnadrochit near Loch Ness, has received the funding through the British Business Bank’s Investment Fund for Scotland.
The business has secured a loan of £50,000 through fund manager DSL Business Finance with the hopes it can further expand its offering.
The investment has enabled Highland Hilly Huts to build a third additional cabin, which is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
Business owner Paul Brock and his wife relocated to Drumnadrochit from the Cotswolds six years ago, seeking to be closer to their family.
The couple found seven acres of land in the Highlands and made the decision to move, drawn by the area’s scenery.
Inspired by their surroundings, the pair developed the idea of creating a retreat for couples.
They obtained planning permission in April 2022 and Highland Hilly Huts was launched with two cabins in March 2023.
Brock projected a 50% booking rate for the first year, but both cabins have been fully occupied after only a few months of opening.
The two cabins are designed to provide comfort, privacy and panoramic views of the mountains.
Both cabins feature a kitchen, an eco-friendly hot tub and an outdoor wood burner.
Paul Brock, Highland Hilly Huts director, said: “It’s been an amazing journey so far and great to see how quickly the business has become successful.
“Currently, I manage and maintain the cabins with my father-in-law, but if our business keeps growing we could potentially employ additional staff.
“The funding from the British Business Bank’s Investment Fund for Scotland has been crucial in building and fitting a third cabin to expand our business.
“The cabins are situated close to both historical and natural sights and we aim to attract people all year round – not just in the summer months.
“With the expansion, we now look forward to welcoming even more guests.
“Right now, we’re focusing on getting the third cabin in place, but we might want to have a fourth one, further down the road.
“Our land spans seven acres of beautiful scenery and, while it presents some logistical challenges, I believe it would be a spectacular addition.”
The £150m Investment Fund for Scotland was launched in October 2023 and offers loans ranging from £25,000 to £2m and equity investments up to £5m.
The fund is part of the British Business Bank’s ambitions to fostering sustainable economic growth by supporting businesses across Scotland.
Mark Sterritt, British Business Bank’s director of nations and regions funds, said: “It’s fantastic to see Highland Hilly Huts thriving in a rural setting like Drumnadrochit.
“Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of Scotland’s economy, particularly in remote areas where they often support the country’s growing tourism industry.
“The Investment Fund for Scotland is designed to support businesses across Scotland and in a variety of sectors, providing them with the financial backing to grow.
“We look forward to seeing more businesses in Scotland’s remote and rural areas harnessing the fund and, in turn, contributing to the sustainable economic development of these regions.”
Iain Burnside, DSL Business Finance COO, said: “We are delighted to have supported Highland Hilly Huts with their expansion.
“The success Paul and his family have achieved in such a short time is truly impressive and a testament to their hard work and vision.
“By providing this funding, we are helping to enhance the local economy and promote sustainable tourism in the Highlands.
“It’s inspiring to see businesses like Highland Hilly Huts flourish and we look forward to seeing their business thrive even further in the coming years.”
