Commercial Property lawyers at Lindsays have advised on the sale of The Whitebridge Hotel, a boutique property on the south side of Loch Ness. Partner Clare Wilson led the legal advice for the vendors, with Graham + Sibbald acting as selling agents.
The property was acquired by an American investor, demonstrating the strength of the Scottish hospitality sector and the continued international interest in investing in it.
Former owner Lesley Renton, who was advised by Lindsays, reflected on the experience: "Owning the Whitebridge Hotel has been both a privilege and a joy.
“Selling it marked a major milestone in our journey, so we knew we needed the right team to guide us through the process.
“Clare Wilson and Steph Goudie at Lindsays, were fantastic from start to finish. They were approachable, efficient and with their expert advice at every stage, we always felt in safe hands."
Clare Wilson and her colleagues in Lindsays’ Commercial Property team regularly advise a variety of businesses across the Scottish hospitality sector. She said:
“Whitebridge Hotel is a hotel with so much going for it. Lesley and her team have built up a fantastic business which offers great potential for the new owners. When hotels like this come on the market, there is always strong interest, especially in a prime location such as this. It is not unusual for new owners to come from overseas, particularly the United States, after falling in love with Scotland and investing in the hospitality sector."
Nestled in the picturesque village of Stratherrick, Inverness, The Whitebridge Hotel is a charming Victorian property that perfectly captures the spirit of Highland hospitality.
Originally built in 1899 and lovingly restored by its previous owners, the hotel combines period character with contemporary comfort, creating a boutique experience that has earned a loyal following among both locals and visitors to the area.
The hotel offers 12 individually designed en-suite guest rooms, each with its own distinctive charm. Guests can unwind in the cosy residents’ lounge, enjoy coffee in the quirky café, relax with a dram by the open fire in the traditional Scottish bar, or start the day in the inviting breakfast room. Outside, a large south-facing terrace and expansive beer garden provide idyllic spaces to take in the breathtaking Highland scenery.
In addition, the property includes a separate six-bedroom owners' accommodation. The sale offers the new owners a genuine turnkey business opportunity, with strong trading potential and scope for further development.
Peter Seymour, Director in the Hotel and Leisure department at Graham + Sibbald, praised the offering.
He said: "We are pleased to have managed to sell the business within a reasonable timeframe to a new entrant to the hotel trade in Scotland.
“The new owners are relocating from the USA and have fallen for this beautiful Hotel tucked away in the Highlands. We wish them a successful tenure and hope they can build on what is a lovely business.
“It was a pleasure to work with Lindsay’s on this transaction who helped steer this deal over the line. All parties involved moved quickly and endeavoured to complete the deal as quickly as possible.”
Published 14 November
