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Monday, May 08, 2023

Swallow Hotels Acquire Balamory Hotel

An impressive hotel located in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, which is the setting for the children's TV programme, 'Balamory', has been sold through the Glasgow Office of leading international hotel agents, Christie + Co, on behalf of Paul and Vivien Thomson.

The Western Isles Hotel is set high up on a cliff and commands outstanding panoramic views of Tobermory Bay and is, without a doubt, set in one of the most impressive locations on the island. The hotel trades with 28 en suite letting bedrooms, a 50-cover dining room, a 50-cover conservatory/bar/restaurant and a 50-cover resident's lounge, which is ideal for Ceilidhs and wedding ceremonies.

There is the also the Kilorran Meeting Room, which can accommodate 30 and is ideal for small meetings, and a sun terrace, which is very popular during the warm summer months, as it allows guests to sit and look out over the bay. In addition to the main hotel, there is a separate staff block comprising of nine en suite bedrooms and a separate lounge.

The property was built in 1883 and over the years has enjoyed a chequered history, including a spell as an officer's mess during World War II. Under the previous ownership, it traded with a 3 Star accolade from Visit Scotland and the AA and due to its superb location; the hotel has traded successfully over the years and has grown in popularity, especially because of its association with the children's TV programme, 'Balamory'.

Tobermory was built as a fishing port in the late 18th Century and is now the main village on Mull and is renowned throughout the world for its brightly painted buildings surrounding the bay.

Graeme Smith, Associate Director, from Christie + Co's Glasgow Office, who handled the sale, commented; "The sale of the Western Isles Hotel attracted high levels of press attention, which in turn attracted a lot of prospective buyers to view the business. Due to the successful marketing campaign, with many sales details being sent out and many viewings taking place, interest was generated from all over the UK and the hotel was eventually sold to the ever expanding Swallow Hotels."

Offers in excess of £1.1 million were sought for the freehold interest of the Western Isles Hotel and it was sold for an undisclosed sum.