Highland Coast Hotels has acquired Lochardil House, its eighth property and first site in Inverness, for an undisclosed sum.

The Lochardil House is a Victorian mansion set in greenery offering 28 rooms, ranging from classic singles to suites.

It features a dedicated wedding and meeting space for up to 200 people, as well as a restaurant and bar with a focus on local and seasonal produce.

The acquisition is set to create 40 new jobs.

Guy Crawford, chief executive of Highland Coast Hotels, said: "This is a really exciting milestone for Highland Coast Hotels. Lochardil House is our first hotel in Inverness and is also part of our ongoing investment and commitment to community-led hospitality in the north Highlands.

"We carefully selected this traditional and imposing Highland house to complement our existing hotel collection. It offers exactly the right kind of special charm, authenticity and proximity to the city centre that we were looking for. It's also conveniently located at the gateway to the north Highlands and the starting point for the world-famous North Coast 500.

He added: "We look forward to welcoming overnight guests to Lochardil House Hotel, as well as establishing the venue as a local community hub with a warm welcome for everyone to enjoy great food, drink and hospitality."

The Scottish-based hotel group, which currently has seven properties in the north Highlands, was founded in April 2021. Its portfolio includes the Kylesku hotel near Loch Gleann Dubh; Newton Lodge near Loch Glencoul; and the Royal Golf hotel, Dornoch.