A major refurbishment in 2007 has given this lovable hotel new life ► It enjoys an excellent location near the Caledonian Canal ► Lovely warm and inviting Highland atmosphere
IntroductionFort Augustus area guide
The village of Fort Augustus commands a sentry-like position at the southern end of Loch Ness in Scotland’s Great Glen, which you can walk via the Great Glen Way. This magnificent fracture of rugged mountains and deep lochs runs from the east coast to the west flanking the arterial path of the Caledonian Canal. The area is steeped in Jacobite legend with Bonnie Prince Charlie being a prominent figure in local history.
There is much for the visitor to do here; strolling along the canal to marvel at the five lock system that raises and lowers vessels by 40ft as they pass through, taking a boat trip on Loch Ness or exploring the atmospheric Urquhart Castle are all within easy reach. The really brave can always hunt the elusive Loch Ness Monster that lurks deep in the dark water and beckons to be found …
Inverness and Fort William are both equidistant from Fort Augustus – only an hour's drive at most. There are railway stations in both places and the airport at Inverness is well served by domestic connecting flights. The journey by car from Edinburgh or Glasgow will take you through some of the finest scenery in the world – including Glencoe and past the UK’s highest peak, Ben Nevis.
A wee bit of history
The Lovat Arms is built on the site of the old Kilwhimen Barracks - one of four Hanovarian forts built to pacify the Highlanders after the 1715 and 1719 Jacobite uprisings. It was first recorded as ‘The Inn’ in 1869 and later became The Lovat Arms Station Hotel in 1880 when the railway was built through Fort Augustus. In 2005 David and Geraldine Gregory formerly of The Torridon in Ross-shire (The Scottish Hotel of the Year 2004), in partnership with daughter Caroline, bought the jaded property and started a £600,000 refurbishment programme to create the top-notch country house hotel it now is. Fort Augustus is a pretty Highland town and The Lovat Arms, which we at the Guide have known for over 30 years, commands a prominent central position overlooking the imposing former Benedictine Abbey.
Step inside...
The main door leads to a large Vestibule filled with welly boots, a wooden barrow brimming with plants and an abundance of leaflets for local attractions. The atmosphere is immediately warm and inviting. The wood panelled Hall inside has vases of fresh flowers, shelves of books (the sort you would actually like to read) and an eclectic selection of antiques. In the corner a peculiar little phone booth with quaint windows reminds you of the epoch of the hotel which has been so tastefully renovated to maintain these period features. The main Lounge is open onto the Hall and is home to a large Reception desk where two bronze stags sit on the counter, in keeping with the Highland ambience. Check-in is quick and friendly and members of the management team are often to be found here should you need any assistance – the experienced Gregory family are on hand. And if you're tempted by the roaring fire, leather armchairs and comfy sofas, tables topped with glossy magazines and the garden views then a pot of tea and shortbread can be served here before going up to your room.
All public areas are located on the ground floor and the relatively open layout means good access for disabled visitors. There's a splendid Drawing Room with large front facing windows, stone fireplace and grand piano adorned with family photos. The bright classic décor of blues and gold is restful and the room makes an ideal retreat. The Bar Restaurant is found further down the corridor. Style-wise, some rooms have a time-honoured, traditional décor and others are cool and contemporary. This ying and yang approach actually works quite nicely, offering guests alternatives. The Bar Restaurant is open to non-residents and has a lively buzz. A spacious seating area is filled with clean-cut sofas and chairs, arranged to create pleasing spaces. Huge windows line the walls and the gleaming metal counter is strikingly modern. Reached via arched openings from the bar 'zone' is the intimate dining area. This richly-toned space has only a small number of tables and very soft lighting. The mood is certainly alluring and rather chic.
A more elegant Dining Room does exist at the other end of the hotel and is used primarily as a breakfast room at the moment. There are plans to open this room up in the evening for a more formal eating experience, which would be lovely. Soft wooden tones warm this space which is further decorated with ornate mirrors, prints and more antiquities. White linen tablecloths, flowers and gorgeous views outside make this one of the prettiest rooms in the hotel.
Environmental note The hotel has an excellent environmental policy incorporating a £30,000 wood chip boiler, computerised temperature control in bedrooms and public areas, eco-friendly cleaning products, low-energy lighting and a recycling system. Even the coasters are made from old tyres. Full marks for such a progressive approach!
Bedrooms
There are 29 fully refurbished bedrooms in The Lovat Arms. Six Studio Rooms are located in a separate annex building outside and the remaining rooms are in the main house. Two (called Assisted Rooms, in a nice touch) are located on the ground floor and have been commendably adapted to suit disabled guests. The upper floors are served by a lift making all areas easily accessible. The standard facilities are excellent in all rooms – under floor heating, satellite TV, free cable accessed broadband, reasonably priced laundry service, Scottish Fine Soap toiletries and a hospitality tray.
The rooms are generally very modern in décor with contemporary furnishings and splendid bathrooms. Number 11 is an excellent Deluxe Room with an enormous bed and the ability to take a further two extra beds for children – a good family choice. Colours are predominately gentle moss green and brown / neutral, and bathrooms are spacious, fresh and bright. There's a single Super Deluxe and then 3 Master Rooms – a grade up from Deluxe. Number 9 has lovely views to the front and the added comfort of some antique pieces of furniture. The Studios outside are compact but still have the high standard of finish of those in the main hotel, while their bathrooms are replaced by trendy wet rooms. The car park is adjacent to this area which could be a little noisy at times but groups may enjoy being accommodated together in their own ‘place’! There's also one Studio where pets are welcome.
All the rooms are super but the ‘best room in the house’ is number 6 – the Grand Master. This room still has the modern theme but is enhanced by some magnificent antique pieces. The bed is a finely carved wooden affair covered in marshmallow soft pillows and crisp white sheets. An enormous period wardrobe stands to one side and a full length classic mirror is elegantly placed in the corner. The bay window gives views to the abbey and Loch Ness can be glimpsed through the trees. Two gold armchairs summon you to sit and enjoy the fine scenery. A small hallway leads to the magnificent bathroom with a large freestanding tub in the corner, his-and-her sinks on a marble counter, a double shower (with two separate shower heads so you can stand and chat!) and an Aquavision TV to watch while having a soak. Luxury!
Food
There are several opportunities to sample food at The Lovat Arms; breakfast in bed or the handsome Dining Room, light lunches in the Bar, picnics, afternoon tea in the Lounge, dinner in the Bar Restaurant, high tea for children and a comprehensive room service menu are all on offer. Head chef is Jim Murphy and the hotel was awarded an AA rosette this year. The cool Bar has a selection of Orkney Ales, fine wines provided by Inverarity Vaults and Forth Wines as well as Malt Whiskies distilled throughout Scotland and supplied by Gordon & MacPhail. Enjoy whilst relaxing by the log fire.
In the evening there's a fine dining menu as well as one serving bar classics. The Bar Classics menu is available from 5pm until 9pm with the Bar Restaurant menu available from 7pm until 9pm. Both are served in the same area so some customers will be in jeans and popping in for a burger and a pint, with others are seeking an elegant and pricier dinner experience. Both types of guests mingle here. There's plenty of scope to create a gastro-pub type of experience at The Lovat Arms and the hotel is very much in the early stages following the refurbishment; we'll make another update visit this autumn as it had just re-opened when we visited in summer.
On our most recent stay we sampled the Snow Crab, Coriander & Potato Cakes with Saffron Aioli, Sweet Pineapple and Chilli Salsa which was well presented and pretty. The main course of Extra Mature Angus Beef with Rosti Potato, Creamed Cèpes & Roasted Shallot Bordelaise was sensational. For dessert we chose the Warm Sticky Toffee Pudding with a Rich Toffee and Rum Sauce and Vanilla Ice Cream.
Breakfast
The lovely formal Dining Room is gorgeous in the morning as, in all but midwinter, the light floods through the windows onto the white linen tablecloths and the views of the Highland scenery are fantastic. A buffet selection of cereals, muesli, cold meats, cheese and yogurt sits out for guests to help themselves. Porridge can be ordered from the kitchen – with Drambuie added for a little morning lift if you need it! To follow, the full Scottish grill has local haggis, bacon and black pudding or you can opt for smoked Lochaber salmon, grilled kippers, smoked haddock or (very nicely) warm waffles. Service when we stayed was quick and cheerful, as you would expect here where there's a friendly ethos.
Leisure
The hotel has no leisure facilities of its own but The Highlands await you outside the front door – walks along the canal, strolls by the abbey, much-recommended boat trips on Loch Ness, golf at the local club in Fort Augustus and fishing on one of the nearby lochs. Enhance your stay with the help of an Holistic Massage Therapist. Contact the hotel for details on treatments available; booking essential.
Functions & meetings
If a Highland wedding sounds just right for you then Urquhart Castle is only 30 minutes away for a breathtaking ceremony and then back to The Lovat Arms for the reception. There are plenty of catering options available and the experienced team will take care of all aspects of your big day from start to finish. For other special occasions there's an exclusive use option where guests can take over the entire restyled and upgraded hotel.
LinksHere are some useful local websites
VisitLochNess.net
Loch Ness cruises
Nevis Range
Urquhart Castle
Ben Nevis Distillery
Fort William & Lochaber
Reviewer's ViewHere's a personal view from the hotel's most recent reviewer
Louise Farquhar says…“The Lovat Arms is a warm and friendly hotel in a fantastic location. The owners and their family have a wealth of award-wining experience in the hotel industry which is reflected in the high standards of service and immaculate interior. Chic bedrooms with a profusion of contemporary features complement the classic public areas which have welcoming fires and antiques. The hotel has gone from jaded and faded to vibrant, enjoyable and truly relaxing.”
IntroductionFort Augustus area guide
The village of Fort Augustus commands a sentry-like position at the southern end of Loch Ness in Scotland’s Great Glen, which you can walk via the Great Glen Way. This magnificent fracture of rugged mountains and deep lochs runs from the east coast to the west flanking the arterial path of the Caledonian Canal. The area is steeped in Jacobite legend with Bonnie Prince Charlie being a prominent figure in local history.
There is much for the visitor to do here; strolling along the canal to marvel at the five lock system that raises and lowers vessels by 40ft as they pass through, taking a boat trip on Loch Ness or exploring the atmospheric Urquhart Castle are all within easy reach. The really brave can always hunt the elusive Loch Ness Monster that lurks deep in the dark water and beckons to be found …
Inverness and Fort William are both equidistant from Fort Augustus – only an hour's drive at most. There are railway stations in both places and the airport at Inverness is well served by domestic connecting flights. The journey by car from Edinburgh or Glasgow will take you through some of the finest scenery in the world – including Glencoe and past the UK’s highest peak, Ben Nevis.
A wee bit of history
The Lovat Arms is built on the site of the old Kilwhimen Barracks - one of four Hanovarian forts built to pacify the Highlanders after the 1715 and 1719 Jacobite uprisings. It was first recorded as ‘The Inn’ in 1869 and later became The Lovat Arms Station Hotel in 1880 when the railway was built through Fort Augustus. In 2005 David and Geraldine Gregory formerly of The Torridon in Ross-shire (The Scottish Hotel of the Year 2004), in partnership with daughter Caroline, bought the jaded property and started a £600,000 refurbishment programme to create the top-notch country house hotel it now is. Fort Augustus is a pretty Highland town and The Lovat Arms, which we at the Guide have known for over 30 years, commands a prominent central position overlooking the imposing former Benedictine Abbey.
Step inside...
The main door leads to a large Vestibule filled with welly boots, a wooden barrow brimming with plants and an abundance of leaflets for local attractions. The atmosphere is immediately warm and inviting. The wood panelled Hall inside has vases of fresh flowers, shelves of books (the sort you would actually like to read) and an eclectic selection of antiques. In the corner a peculiar little phone booth with quaint windows reminds you of the epoch of the hotel which has been so tastefully renovated to maintain these period features. The main Lounge is open onto the Hall and is home to a large Reception desk where two bronze stags sit on the counter, in keeping with the Highland ambience. Check-in is quick and friendly and members of the management team are often to be found here should you need any assistance – the experienced Gregory family are on hand. And if you're tempted by the roaring fire, leather armchairs and comfy sofas, tables topped with glossy magazines and the garden views then a pot of tea and shortbread can be served here before going up to your room.
All public areas are located on the ground floor and the relatively open layout means good access for disabled visitors. There's a splendid Drawing Room with large front facing windows, stone fireplace and grand piano adorned with family photos. The bright classic décor of blues and gold is restful and the room makes an ideal retreat. The Bar Restaurant is found further down the corridor. Style-wise, some rooms have a time-honoured, traditional décor and others are cool and contemporary. This ying and yang approach actually works quite nicely, offering guests alternatives. The Bar Restaurant is open to non-residents and has a lively buzz. A spacious seating area is filled with clean-cut sofas and chairs, arranged to create pleasing spaces. Huge windows line the walls and the gleaming metal counter is strikingly modern. Reached via arched openings from the bar 'zone' is the intimate dining area. This richly-toned space has only a small number of tables and very soft lighting. The mood is certainly alluring and rather chic.
A more elegant Dining Room does exist at the other end of the hotel and is used primarily as a breakfast room at the moment. There are plans to open this room up in the evening for a more formal eating experience, which would be lovely. Soft wooden tones warm this space which is further decorated with ornate mirrors, prints and more antiquities. White linen tablecloths, flowers and gorgeous views outside make this one of the prettiest rooms in the hotel.
Environmental note The hotel has an excellent environmental policy incorporating a £30,000 wood chip boiler, computerised temperature control in bedrooms and public areas, eco-friendly cleaning products, low-energy lighting and a recycling system. Even the coasters are made from old tyres. Full marks for such a progressive approach!
Bedrooms
There are 29 fully refurbished bedrooms in The Lovat Arms. Six Studio Rooms are located in a separate annex building outside and the remaining rooms are in the main house. Two (called Assisted Rooms, in a nice touch) are located on the ground floor and have been commendably adapted to suit disabled guests. The upper floors are served by a lift making all areas easily accessible. The standard facilities are excellent in all rooms – under floor heating, satellite TV, free cable accessed broadband, reasonably priced laundry service, Scottish Fine Soap toiletries and a hospitality tray.
The rooms are generally very modern in décor with contemporary furnishings and splendid bathrooms. Number 11 is an excellent Deluxe Room with an enormous bed and the ability to take a further two extra beds for children – a good family choice. Colours are predominately gentle moss green and brown / neutral, and bathrooms are spacious, fresh and bright. There's a single Super Deluxe and then 3 Master Rooms – a grade up from Deluxe. Number 9 has lovely views to the front and the added comfort of some antique pieces of furniture. The Studios outside are compact but still have the high standard of finish of those in the main hotel, while their bathrooms are replaced by trendy wet rooms. The car park is adjacent to this area which could be a little noisy at times but groups may enjoy being accommodated together in their own ‘place’! There's also one Studio where pets are welcome.
All the rooms are super but the ‘best room in the house’ is number 6 – the Grand Master. This room still has the modern theme but is enhanced by some magnificent antique pieces. The bed is a finely carved wooden affair covered in marshmallow soft pillows and crisp white sheets. An enormous period wardrobe stands to one side and a full length classic mirror is elegantly placed in the corner. The bay window gives views to the abbey and Loch Ness can be glimpsed through the trees. Two gold armchairs summon you to sit and enjoy the fine scenery. A small hallway leads to the magnificent bathroom with a large freestanding tub in the corner, his-and-her sinks on a marble counter, a double shower (with two separate shower heads so you can stand and chat!) and an Aquavision TV to watch while having a soak. Luxury!
Food
There are several opportunities to sample food at The Lovat Arms; breakfast in bed or the handsome Dining Room, light lunches in the Bar, picnics, afternoon tea in the Lounge, dinner in the Bar Restaurant, high tea for children and a comprehensive room service menu are all on offer. Head chef is Jim Murphy and the hotel was awarded an AA rosette this year. The cool Bar has a selection of Orkney Ales, fine wines provided by Inverarity Vaults and Forth Wines as well as Malt Whiskies distilled throughout Scotland and supplied by Gordon & MacPhail. Enjoy whilst relaxing by the log fire.
In the evening there's a fine dining menu as well as one serving bar classics. The Bar Classics menu is available from 5pm until 9pm with the Bar Restaurant menu available from 7pm until 9pm. Both are served in the same area so some customers will be in jeans and popping in for a burger and a pint, with others are seeking an elegant and pricier dinner experience. Both types of guests mingle here. There's plenty of scope to create a gastro-pub type of experience at The Lovat Arms and the hotel is very much in the early stages following the refurbishment; we'll make another update visit this autumn as it had just re-opened when we visited in summer.
On our most recent stay we sampled the Snow Crab, Coriander & Potato Cakes with Saffron Aioli, Sweet Pineapple and Chilli Salsa which was well presented and pretty. The main course of Extra Mature Angus Beef with Rosti Potato, Creamed Cèpes & Roasted Shallot Bordelaise was sensational. For dessert we chose the Warm Sticky Toffee Pudding with a Rich Toffee and Rum Sauce and Vanilla Ice Cream.
Breakfast
The lovely formal Dining Room is gorgeous in the morning as, in all but midwinter, the light floods through the windows onto the white linen tablecloths and the views of the Highland scenery are fantastic. A buffet selection of cereals, muesli, cold meats, cheese and yogurt sits out for guests to help themselves. Porridge can be ordered from the kitchen – with Drambuie added for a little morning lift if you need it! To follow, the full Scottish grill has local haggis, bacon and black pudding or you can opt for smoked Lochaber salmon, grilled kippers, smoked haddock or (very nicely) warm waffles. Service when we stayed was quick and cheerful, as you would expect here where there's a friendly ethos.
Leisure
The hotel has no leisure facilities of its own but The Highlands await you outside the front door – walks along the canal, strolls by the abbey, much-recommended boat trips on Loch Ness, golf at the local club in Fort Augustus and fishing on one of the nearby lochs. Enhance your stay with the help of an Holistic Massage Therapist. Contact the hotel for details on treatments available; booking essential.
Functions & meetings
If a Highland wedding sounds just right for you then Urquhart Castle is only 30 minutes away for a breathtaking ceremony and then back to The Lovat Arms for the reception. There are plenty of catering options available and the experienced team will take care of all aspects of your big day from start to finish. For other special occasions there's an exclusive use option where guests can take over the entire restyled and upgraded hotel.
LinksHere are some useful local websites
VisitLochNess.net
Loch Ness cruises
Nevis Range
Urquhart Castle
Ben Nevis Distillery
Fort William & Lochaber
Reviewer's ViewHere's a personal view from the hotel's most recent reviewer
Louise Farquhar says…“The Lovat Arms is a warm and friendly hotel in a fantastic location. The owners and their family have a wealth of award-wining experience in the hotel industry which is reflected in the high standards of service and immaculate interior. Chic bedrooms with a profusion of contemporary features complement the classic public areas which have welcoming fires and antiques. The hotel has gone from jaded and faded to vibrant, enjoyable and truly relaxing.”
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