Highland Coast Hotels appoints first MD

Highland Coast Hotels has appointed its first managing director to drive growth for the group, ahead of the tenth anniversary of the North Coast 500 (NC500). Kenny McMillan joins with over 37 years’ experience as a tourism and hospitality industry leader and mentor, including roles as managing director of Macdonald Aviemore Resorts and general manager of Macdonald Drumossie Hotel. Under his leadership, the Drumossie Hotel won Employer of the Year in the 2023 Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards and in 2024, McMillan was shortlisted for Leader of the Year in the Highland Business Awards. In his earlier career, he held several head chef roles throughout Macdonald Hotels before being appointed group executive chef for the entire group. During that time, he was named Executive Chef of the Year in the 2015 Scottish Hotel Awards. McMillan is also a former Ambassador for the Highland Tourism CIC, board member for the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards, and Visit Inverness and Loch Ness. He has joined Highland Coast Hotels as 2025 marks the tenth anniversary of the NC500, which is home to the group’s seven landmark properties, including Lochardil House in Inverness, Royal Golf Hotel in Dornoch, Royal Marine Hotel in Brora, Tongue Hotel, Newton Lodge and Kylesku Hotel. Commenting on his appointment as Highland Coast Hotels’ first managing director, McMillan said: “I’m really excited to be joining a team who are so dedicated to delivering world-class guest itinerary experiences across Highland Coast Hotels’ collection of seven landmark hotels on the NC500, including Inverness as the hub of this iconic route. “2025 is a significant milestone for this world-famous route as it marks its tenth anniversary. This occasion presents an ideal opportunity for us at Highland Coast Hotels to drive growth and help boost the local visitor economy, whilst continuing in our focus on generating a sustainable and community-led business." He added: “It’s a real privilege to live and work in one of the world’s most beautiful regions. The North Highlands is where I raised my own family and where I’ve built my hospitality career over the last 20 years. I’m passionate about showcasing the NC500 and Wester Ross using the ingredients from the North Highlands’ natural larder. “I’m also keen to continue building the brand as a sustainable business in the Highlands for all stakeholders involved. Continuing to build our relationship with our local communities and adding value to community life is a vital part of that process.” Highland Coast Hotels’ CEO Guy Crawford will now step back from his current accountabilities and focus as a non-executive board director in supporting McMillan and the company to deliver a sustainable business in the region. Crawford said: “We’re delighted to welcome Kenny as our first managing director at Highland Coast Hotels. He is a well-respected and experienced industry leader, who knows the North Highland tourism and hospitality sector and help us build on the strong growth in revenue over these last years. We are committed to making a positive contribution to tourism, local community life and the vitally important North Highland economy.”