Glenegedale House, situated between Bowmore and Port Ellen, will create an additional four bedrooms through time, while existing rooms will be upgraded, following a successful premises acquisition by business owners, Emma and Graeme Cark. 

Having previously rented Glenegedale House for almost seven years, the couple had the opportunity to purchase the building, which has given them the freedom to reinvest capital into the business.

First opening its doors in February 2013, the hotel has become a hit with tourists, welcoming more than 1500 guests every year. The additional rooms and renovation will enable the hotel to continue growing revenues by providing a unique and luxurious stay for visitors and plans to further develop their bar and restaurant will give the local Islay community further opportunity to enjoy the hotel.

Emma, who has long been a driving force for tourism on the island, is also supporting plans for Islay’s first food, drink and foraging festival – Taste Islay and Jura – in partnership with Argyll and Islay Cooperative and Islay and Jura Marketing Group. The festival will celebrate the produce from local producers and is the first of its kind in the region. It’s hoped that alongside the hotel, the festival will become a mainstay of the island, helping attract more visitors to Islay.

Emma said: “Islay is a beautiful island with a vibrant community within a tranquil environment. We’re pleased to say Glenegedale House will continue contributing to that for years to come. It has been a wonderful experience building a business on the island I grew up on and to see it go to strength to strength as more visitors come to stay every year, has been fabulous.

“We would like to thank Clark from Royal Bank of Scotland for understanding our goals and enabling us to fulfil our growth ambitions for Glenegedale House.”

Clark Robertson, relationship manager at Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “Emma and Graeme’s passion for Islay and their business is infectious. They continue to do a great job in providing peace and tranquillity to all guests who stay, and it has been a pleasure to work with them. We wish them the best of luck for the future.”