Popular Cosy Hotel in Portnalong, Isle of Skye

A rare opportunity has arisen to purchase a truly unique and inviting 5 ensuite room hotel in a secluded location on the Isle of Skye. Overlooking Loch Harport Taigh Ailean is an easily run business that has a very popular bar and restaurant which also benefits from some excellent reviews. There is a great opportunity to expand the business and increase revenues. Viewing is highly recommended to appreciate what the sale of Taigh Aileen has to offer.

The Isle of Skye takes its name from the old Norse ‘sky-a’, meaning ‘cloud island’, a Viking reference to the often-mist-enshrouded Cuillin Hills. It’s the second-largest of Scotland’s islands, a 50-mile-long patchwork of velvet moors, jagged mountains, sparkling lochs, and towering sea cliffs. The stunning scenery is the main attraction, but when the mist closes in there are plenty of castles, crofting museums, cosy pubs, and restaurants; there are also dozens of art galleries and craft studios. Along with Edinburgh and Loch Ness, Skye is one of Scotland’s top-three tourist destinations.

The small village of Portnalong is situated on the northwest of the Isle of Skye on the shore of Loch Harport. It is located 36 miles from the Skye Bridge, 11.5 miles from Sligachan and 21 miles from Portree; the Isles main centre of commerce. Portnalong is Gaelic for “harbour of the ships” and was founded by crofters from Lewis and Harris in 1921. The village played an important role as a refuelling point for allied shipping during World War II and a training area for Norwegian resistance fighters. From the village and surrounding area there is a wide range of activities that can be undertaken such as golf, guided mountaineering, and nature walks, fly fishing tuition to name but a few. Shops are located at Carbost only 3 miles away, which is also home of the famous Talisker Whisky distillery. In addition to tourism, the island is highly popular with nature lovers and also ornithologists who find birds of prey, waders, and a host of seabirds in the locale. Skye’s rugged Cuillin Mountains are known to walkers and climbers from across the world. Inverness airport is 121 miles away, it has regular flights to some European destinations as well as London, Birmingham, and Manchester. Glasgow provides a far greater schedule of domestic and international flights.

Taigh Ailean Hotel and the Munros Bar is a well-established small hotel with a great reputation for food and accommodation along with attentive service, attracting a variety of visitors with demand for accommodation throughout the year. Set in private grounds the hotel offers a relaxing setting with plenty to see and do given the variety of activities on offer.

Although the bar and restaurant are open all year round the hotel only operates the letting rooms from April through to the end of September where it operates at near full capacity. There is a minimum of 2 nights stay, which could be increased, where room rates vary from between £100 and £160. There is also demand for accommodation all year round.

The bar opens from 5.30pm till 11.00 pm seven days a week through the main season while opening is reduced to Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in the off season. It is very well supported and a major focal point for the local community while people travel from all over the island for meals given the reputation of the restaurant and bar. The kitchen operates from 5.30 pm to 9.00 pm where it is almost essential to book a table. The Taigh Ailean prides itself on serving fresh locally sourced produce. There is a good split of income across all revenue streams. The hotel is currently run by the owners who are assisted by a team of kitchen, front of house and housekeeping staff.