An award-winning Highland wilderness hotel in Sutherland is undertaking an expansion and upgrading project due for completion this spring.
The Kylesku Hotel on the shores of Loch Glencoul and Loch Glendhu, sits in the centre of the North West Sutherland Geopark – one of only 35 UNESCO geoparks in the world and a designated area of outstanding geological heritage.
The hotel was originally an old coaching inn, dating back to 1680 and built at the ferry crossing that preceded the bridge that eventually crossed the famous Waters of Kylesku, made famous in song.
It is currently open in the summer only, but a new refurbishment and extension will enable the owners to open for a longer season, thanks to £200,000 support from economic development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
Managers and owners Tanja Lister and Sonia Virechauveix bought the hotel in 2009.
Over a quarter of visitors in 2013 were from abroad and many travel to the area specifically to stay there.
The revamp will increase the number of rooms from eight to 11 and extend the lounge and dining room.
The owners expect to employ around five additional permanent staff and fit new air source heat pumps.
Ms Lister said: “We are really excited about the project – for the hotel, our team and also the local community.
“Opening longer will be a significant boost for the area, providing both additional employment and extra tourism in the traditionally quiet winter months.
“We take great pride in helping to attract visitors to this fantastic corner of the country.”
Sara Campbell, development manager at HIE, said: “The strong relationship with local suppliers, ensuring high quality, fresh ingredients has helped support other local businesses while creating an enviable reputation for dining at the Kylesku Hotel.
“We are delighted to be supporting the owners in the latest stage of their refurbishment of the Kylesku Hotel. This project will help create additional employment in Assynt while also attracting an increasing number of visitors to the area.”