Highlights from our 15 years

Celebrating 15 years of our Kingsmills Hotel

The Kingsmills Hotel is celebrating being independently owned for 15 years! On this special anniversary, owner and CEO, Tony Story is reflecting on how the Kingsmills has changed since he first bought the property in November 2007. Along with his dedicated team, he has upscaled the Kingsmills into an international destination, attracting visitors from far and wide – all embracing the warmth, character and personality that make the hotel so special.

Mr Story explains that he fell in love with the hotel when he first came to visit, and couldn’t believe his luck when it became available on the market. He could not pass up the opportunity: “When I saw it in a magazine for sale, and went to purchase it, it was just pure good luck. The difference that has been made in the hotel since then is colossal. It’s the amazing team working at Kingsmills that makes the hotel what it is today”

In the last 15 years, the hotel and its grounds have undergone a multi-million-pound transformation which began in 2010 with the development of the Kingsclub – a treatment spa and bedrooms overlooking the neighbouring golf course. The addition of world-class banqueting facilities then followed in 2014 along with a collection of Luxury and Family bedrooms. The Kingsmills Suite has been the backdrop to a host of memorable occasions over the years; from dream weddings and birthday dinners to corporate events and awards ceremonies. Twice in the past 10 years, the hotel and its team have been recognised in the prestigious Highlands & Islands Tourism Awards, winning ‘Best Hotel Experience’ – a testament to the warmth of service provided. 

The Kingsmills Group continues to invest in the hotel and the city with sister property ‘Ness Walk’ opened in 2019 – a 5-star luxury hotel on the Inverness riverside.

The Kingsmills team hold the community at its heart and are passionate about fundraising, organising events and supporting local charities and causes. Over the last decade, the team have raised an incredible £333,000 for the Highland Hospice and, in the past year alone, over £45,000 for Mikeysline…charities that are very close to the teams’ hearts and the totals continue to grow. And still on the subject of supporting community and charities, the hotel is partnering with SNAP Inverness in 2023, a charity which supports children and young people in the region with additional support needs.

“We are really proud of our community engagement over the years”, said Mr Story. “Currently, we are in tough economic times and it is important to continue to offer our support. Not just with charitable activities but also how we work with local suppliers and producers where ever possible. This also speaks to our environmental commitments” He added: “A big thank you to all the team at Kingsmills Hotel and Ness Walk. Without them, we couldn’t do what we do.”

As we celebrate 15 years since the Kingsmills was returned into the care and ownership of owner and CEO Tony Story, we are looking back at some of our highlights…

Highlights from our 15 years…

2007 – The new signs are ordered and the hotel is re-named as The Kingsmills Hotel after trading under large operating companies since 1985.

2010 – The 37-bedroom executive Kingsclub building opens in July with stunning demi-suites and the highlight; Retreat Rooms each with its own private balcony overlooking the neighbouring golf course.

2014 – Inverness’s newest banqueting suite, The Kingsmills Suite opens with 4 flexible spaces opening together to welcome up to 500 delegates

2014 – Our Luxury Bedrooms are opened with 10 new Luxury Family Rooms offering the perfect space for family holidays.

2015 – The Kingsmills gardens blossom with the addition of 13 self-contained Garden Rooms, each named after Munros in the Highlands

2019 – The Kingsmills family continues to grow as sister hotel, the 5* Ness Walk opens on the riverside of Inverness. And, in the same year, The Kingsmills Hotel is awarded Best Hotel Experience 2019 at the Highlands & Islands Tourism Awards!

2022 – Team Kingsmills meets and exceeds the £250k Highland Hospice fundraising target set prior to the lockdowns…To date, we have raised £333,350 for the Hospice as well as over £40,500 for Mikeysline in 2022 alone. For 2023, as well as multiple fundraisers for these charities, we’re also hosting a fundraiser for local charity SNAP, Stars In Their Eyes!

15th Anniversary

Today marks 15 years since Kingsmills came into private ownership… and we would like to say a huge special thank you for your love and support over the years. You can see from the smiles on our faces, we love what we do! 🎉