Ackergill set to reopen after £1m refurbishment
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THE county’s only five star hotel which was destroyed by a fire at new year is set to reopen to the public following a £1 million refurbishment.
Ackergill Tower was forced to close after a blaze caused complete smoke damage throughout the 15th century castle in January.
The blaze took root in the cellar, which was destroyed, with police still treating the cause of the outbreak as suspicious. But after three months of repairs and refurbishment, the castle is due to reopen its doors to the public on Tuesday.
The seven-figure repair job has resulted in interior upgrades which have been described as sympathetic to the castle’s Scottish heritage and sensitively designed to encapsulate the tower’s past.
Ackergill Tower owner Mike Clare, whose company AmaZing Venues promotes the venue to the tourist industry, said the venue has risen like a phoenix from the flames following the blaze. But he said the main aim of the refurbishment was to respect the venue’s history.
"From the moment a guest arrives at Ackergill Tower, we want them to feel that this is where their Scottish Highland adventure begins," he said. "We’ve brought back the use of tartan throughout the main hallway and in the newly refurbished bedrooms to enhance the true Scottish experience we offer guests.
"This castle is like a living and breathing museum, and our job with this refurbishment has been to safeguard the many treasures within it."
The property was purchased by AmaZing Venues in 2009 and has, over the past five years, benefited from an ongoing programme of investment and additions to the estate.
In 2013, its award-winning treehouse, the largest in Europe, was transformed from a conference centre to a woodland penthouse for luxury weekend breaks. The original stable block, which had fallen into a state of disrepair was converted into The Stables, a four bedroom luxury self-catering cottage.
An outbuilding on the grounds was transformed into Sinclair Palace, a large multi-functional event space which combines modern décor with original stonework and timber beams, offering space for banqueting up to 150 and receptions for 250 guests or delegates.
VisitScotland’s chairman Mike Cantlay said to have a five star hotel in Caithness is something of great pride to the Highland tourism industry and is delighted it will soon be welcoming customers back.
"We are delighted with the work carried out to restore and revitalise Ackergill Tower," he said.
"Our private venue partners play a crucial role in attracting tourism to the area and the tower continues to provide an inspiring and beautiful destination and reason to visit the Highlands."
Ackergill Tower has hosted a number of Hollywood and British A-listers including Jack Nicholson, Michael Douglas, Jeremy Irons, Gary Barlow and Philip Schofield.
General manager Craig Wright said the tower aims to become known as one of the world’s leading venues for weddings, private parties, celebrations and corporate events.
He said: "The property has never looked so good and now as we enter springtime we encourage visitors both locally and from further afield to sample our hospitality and incredible grounds."
