10 interesting facts about the Kingsmills Hotel

What makes the Kingsmills Hotel unique?

Today we have some interesting facts about our unique and historic hotel in Inverness. So you can get to know us a bit better before your visit to Scotland…

1. Our name dates back to the 1100s

The Kingsmills name dates back to the 1100s, when many working mills were spread across Inverness. Our hotel sits on the site of what was once the King’s Mill.

2. The hotel was once a private house

Our original hotel building was built in the late 18th century as a grand private residence for the prominent merchant and banker, William Inglis, and his family.

3. Robert Burns once dined here

Inglis was a member of the town council and held several important roles including Baillie, Dean of Guild and Provost. He famously hosted the great bard Robert Burns for supper here in September 1787.

Robert Burns framed picture with letter from Burns pictured below in the Kingsmills Hotel
Burns’ portrait hangs in the hotel and a plaque commemorates his visit to the Kingsmills

4. A hotel since 1946

Over the centuries, the original building has developed and expanded. It first became a hotel in 1946, run by the MacLeod family.

5. Proud to be independently owned

The hotel traded under large operating companies since 1895, until our owner and CEO, Tony Story, purchased it in 2007 and returned it to private ownership.

6. The facts and figures

Today, this luxurious 4-star hotel has 147 bedrooms, 2 in-house restaurants, a bar and lounge, 7 meeting and events rooms, a spa with 3 treatment rooms, a gym, a sauna and a 12m swimming pool. Plus 150 car parking spaces and 4 EV charging points.

Garden Rooms outward facing
Our elegant hotel rooms provide a luxury getaway in Scotland

7. Our Kingsclub rooms and spa

The Kingsclub was built in 2010, as a separate building on the hotel grounds, containing 37 rooms and suites and our luxury beauty spa.

8. The best of both worlds

Despite being just a short distance from Inverness city centre, our hotel is set on four acres of lush grounds, giving a peaceful, country-like atmosphere within the city limits.

9. Causes close to our hearts

We take our responsibility for sustainability seriously, partnering with Green Tourism, to achieve best practices in this area. We also support local charities and host regular fundraising events.

Swimming Pool at Kingsmills Hotel
Our Kingsclub leisure centre includes a 12m heated indoor swimming pool

10. We are award-winning

The awards keep coming for the Kingmills. Recent accolades include Employer of the year at the Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards 2024. Our CEO, Tony Story, was also named Industry Titan as part of this year’s Boutique Hotelier Power List.