Taychreggan, situated in a prime location on the beautiful banks of Loch Awe, near Oban, underwent a major refurbishment challenge this year to modernise and upgrade its facilities. Working with architects, plans were drawn up to reveal the 300 year old drover inn�s roots. Exposed sections of original wall and period correct pieces were restored helping to retain Taychreggan�s classic Highland feel, with upgrades to match Taychreggan�s unique and spectacular setting.

Proprietor Susan Cunningham commented;

�We knew we had found a real gem. Taychreggan is beautifully situated on Loch Awe and intertwined with a rich history of the area, so it was important to us to preserve the character of what was a humble drover�s inn, whilst providing a luxurious treat for the modern day traveller. We are absolutely delighted with the renovations which we feel has further enhanced Taychreggan�s appeal�

The interior fit of the hotel has been created to generate a warm atmosphere, whilst keeping the rooms light and spacious. All superior and suite rooms have expanded and the bathrooms have been enhanced with modern fixtures and fittings. Some of the guest bathrooms now have claw footed tubs for those seeking escapism and indulgence, as well as standalone power showers for travellers on the move, eager to embrace the great outdoors.

Upgrades to the guest rooms went well beyond improved furnishings, with an amount approaching �1 million spent on the respectful renovation of this historic inn. An old stone chimney was unexpectedly uncovered during the renovation and was incorporated into the design of one of the guest rooms.

The renovations were completed in time for summer and the re-launch also saw the introduction of a light and airy orangery which was added to the courtyard - perfect for Hogmanay dancing and other celebratory occasions. All public rooms were redesigned to offer guests more opportunities to appreciate the tranquil views of Scotland�s largest freshwater loch, one of the special pleasures of Taychreggan, providing guests with the perfect setting to relax and unwind.

Taychreggan combines the feel of a cosy drover�s inn with the luxury and comfort of sumptuous furnishings and fittings. The hotel overlooks the breathtaking Loch Awe and is situated in its own private bay, enveloped by the woodlands, providing an ideal base from which to explore the many attractions on offer in the Scottish Highlands. The hotel also offers conference and wedding facilities with a team of dedicated and experienced staff to handle events with a friendly and professional approach.

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Editor�s Notes

Accommodation

The Luxurious accommodations in the hotel, totalling 18 bedrooms, includes Superior and Standard rooms as well as the Sonachan Suite with its spa bath and four poster Junior Suites such as Walter Scott, Dr. Johnson and Inverinan. The prime location of the hotel within the Taychreggan Estates allows guests to choose from a wealth of activities; whether you are a fan of the great outdoors or prefer to be preened and pampered you are sure to be contented. The History Taychreggan was originally a humble 17th century cattle drover�s inn. Wealth was measured in cattle then. It took great skill to captain a cattle drove down through the Highlands. There were steep mountains, furths and lochs to swim your cattle across and always, cattle thieves from rival clans waiting to steal your wealth. But for a successful cattle drove captain, riches awaited. The great Banks of Scotland were founded by these drovers. Taychreggan is located on a small peninsula that juts out into the loch. It was from Taychreggan, at Loch Awe�s narrowest crossing point, the cattle would swim across. What a welcome sight the whitewashed stone walls of Taychreggan must have been. Here the captains could rest for a bit, dining and sleeping in the cosy rooms overlooking the loch while their men slept outside in the sheltered courtyard, protecting their cattle from Rob Roy and other notorious cattle thieves who had hide-outs nearby. Later, the philosopher Samuel Johnson and his biographer James Boswell also enjoyed whisky and a good night�s sleep at Taychreggan during their historic journey to the Hebrides. Today, Taychreggan offers the weary traveler much more than the humble hospitality of the past. The Loch Loch Awe dominates this peaceful corner of Argyll with it's enigmatic 23 miles of fresh water. Over twenty long abandoned Crannogs (lake dwellings) are still in evidence, along with the semi ruined Castles of Kilchurn - once the Clan Campbell seat which still dominates the loch, Innis Chonnel and Fraoch Eilean, taking their names from the islands on which they stand. The Islands The main islands of Fraoch Eilean and Innishail situated at the North end of Loch Awe and Innis Chonnel to the East - all are shrouded in myth, legend and rich in historic interest. The Activities

Wild Foraging: Taychreggan invites you to hunt and gather in the surrounding countryside, before bringing your food back for dinner, which will be cooked as requested.

Fly Fishing: Enjoy a day of flying fishing on the beautiful banks of Loch Awe, then relax and enjoy your catch of the day. Both loch and river Awe have always been famous for their wild brown trout and salmon, both large and small and is famed for producing a record breaking wild brown trout weighing in at 30lb 8oz. The brown trout season runs from 15th March to 6th October.

Clay Pigeon Shooting: Seeking adventure? Practice target shooting before heading to the hills for a days clay pigeon shooting.

Deer Tracking: Head off to the hills for a guided day of deer spotting and tracking.

The Battles Not so well known for its famous battles, the surrounding lands still have a story or two tell. Such as The Battle of the Red Ford, The Battle of the String of Lorn, The Battle of the Pass of Brander and The Battle of Loch Tromlee. Weddings Named by AA as one of the most romantic hotels in Scotland, it is ideal for a Scottish honeymoon or romantic break. Surrounded by mountain grandeur, loch, forests and an abundance of wildlife, Taychreggan makes a perfect venue for your special day.

Editors� Notes: Kilchrenan By Taynuilt Argyll, Scotland PA35 1HQ email:enquiries@taychregganhotel.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)1866 833 211/366 Fax: +44 (0)1866 833 244 www.taychregganhotel.co.uk

Contact: For further information or images, please contact Megan Davidson or Su Hesketh at Crimson Edge PR on 0131 311 7050 Email : megan@crimsonedge.co.uk / su@crimsonedge.co.uk