Living it up in the highlands

THREE Irish businessmen who recently bought a relatively run down hotel in the heart of Scotland are in the process of restoring the property to its former five-star glory.

Atholl Palace, in Pitlochry, Perthshire, is a traditional Victorian Spa hotel with stunning views of the Highlands from its impressive grounds.

When purchased by businessmen Frank Latchford, Jim Staunton and Fionn MacCumbhaill, it had been listed as a two star hotel, down three from the five star status it once enjoyed. The new owners have already managed to secure a higher rating and intend to continue refurbishing and adding facilities to further increase its standing in the Scottish hotel industry.

The property is just over than an hour’s drive from either Edinburgh and Glasgow and is set in its own grounds of 48 acres, most of it in woodland.

Sporting enthusiasts can play tennis or pitch and putt within the grounds of the hotel, but golfers are in for a real treat because of the proximity to a huge variety of top class courses.

Pitlochry Golf Club itself is said to have one of the most spectacular views in Scotland from the seventh tee and has long since been a favourite with visitors to the hotel.

But the Irish owners are now ready to embark on a heavy marketing programme to attract golfers and point out that class courses such as Gleneagles (45 minutes), St Andrews (75 minutes) and Troon (120 minutes) are all well within striking distance.

Closer to the hotel are other courses popular over the years with the golfing fraternity such as Aberfeldy, Taymouth Castle and Perth amongst them.

Atholl Palace will also pitch for business in different markets and the owners say that the stunning backdrop to a magnificent looking building makes it perfect for weddings with a difference. Special deals are available for guests attending weddings and for those interested in spending quiet Christmas and New Year breaks.

Pitlochry is also an area famed for the relatively sedate activity of walking and the Scottish Natural Heritage organisation have specially commissioned a guide for visitors wishing to explore the area on foot.

The hotel website is accessed through www.athollpalace.co.uk.

IN IRELAND, the Irish Hotels Federation has welcomed the recent announcement of a Government cash boost for tourism marketing this autumn.

The Federation hopes that Minister John O’Donoghue might see fit to add to the 3 million boost if it proves to help revamp the tourism sector in the coming weeks.

It has been a quiet if not disastrous tourism season, but the Federation hopes an increased advertising and marketing fund will best take advantage of a late booking pattern that has been emerging in recent years.