AN Indian millionaire has opened a new country hotel in the Highlands after an investment of more than £12 million by his Black Sheep Hotel group.
Sanjay Narang opened Rokeby Manor, on the outskirts of Invergarry, after a major refurbishment and it will be followed by the Cluanie Inn and the Whispering Pine Lodge.
Narang and his sister Rachna travelled to the Highlands for a hiking holiday last year, but despite having a less than favourable stay they fell in love with the area.
They then formed the Black Sheep Hotel group and he has subsequently relocated from his native India to Glengarry.
Formerly the Craigard Guest House, Rokeby Manor is a Victorian country house built in 1840, which retains many of its original features.
With 13 ensuite bedrooms, the property includes the restaurant “Emily’s Byre”, which serves authentic Indian cuisine, allowing travellers to experience what its owners describe as “truly affordable luxury” in the Highlands.
The Black Sheep Hotel group which includes Rokeby Manor, the Whispering Pine Lodge (formerly the Letterfinlay Lodge) at Spean Bridge and the Cluanie Inn at Glenmoriston, cost the siblings £3m.
They have ploughed a further £9m into the refurbishment programme, with Rachna leading on design.
Under the ownership of Mars Enterprise and Hospitality, Black Sheep Hotels is the company’s first venture in Scotland, and utilises their expertise in hospitality from their hotels and restaurants in Mumbai.
The Mars group has experienced stunning growth over the last 10 years and at its peak owned and operated 37 restaurants, 52 cake shops, five hotels, five air catering units and the uber luxurious Waterstones Club in Mumbai.
Narang said: “We are delighted to be opening the first of our Black Sheep Hotels at Rokeby Manor, bringing together our considerable experience and expertise in the hospitality sector in order to provide a distinctive and authentic experience for our guests.
“We fell in love with the Highlands on our first visit and decided to make this considerable investment, ensuring that other visitors can be as impressed as we are with the beauty of the area.”
The other properties in the company;s portfolio are due to open later this summer.
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