Fearn Farm Launches Shore Hotel Following £1 Million Agritourism Investment
Fearn Farm Drives Agritourism Growth in Scotland
Scotland’s Agritourism Monitor Farmers, the Scott family of Fearn Farm, have launched the Shore Hotel after a £1 million investment in rural tourism. The Scott family, renowned for their sustainable farming and their on-farm accommodation, The Mill at Fearn Farm, have transformed a derelict building into a five-bedroom hotel with an on-site restaurant and bar, enhancing the visitor experience on Scotland’s popular NC500 route.
Shore Hotel: New Accommodation on the NC500 in Easter Ross
Located in the picturesque village of Balintore, just three miles from Fearn Farm, the new Shore Hotel offers guests stunning harbour views and convenient access to the Easter Ross region. This major development is expected to drive agritourism in the Highlands, supporting local businesses and attracting both day-trippers and overnight visitors to the Seaboard villages.
Restoration Project Supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise
The restoration of the former Commercial Hotel was completed in just 12 months, thanks in part to a £150,000 grant from Highlands and Islands Enterprise. The project highlights the growing importance of Scotland’s agritourism sector and aligns with the Monitor Farm Programme’s goals of rural economic growth and community engagement.
Farm-to-Fork Dining and Highland Hospitality: Local Scottish Produce
Guests at the hotel’s 50-seater restaurant, bar, and takeaway can look forward to an authentic farm-to-fork dining experience. Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb, reared by the Scott family at Fearn Farm, headline the menu, while fresh lobsters and fish are landed just metres from Shore. Vegetables, fruit, and eggs are sourced from local farms, ensuring every dish celebrates the best of the region while contributing to a resilient and sustainable food system.
Agritourism Monitor Farm Meeting: Behind the Scenes at Shore
In June, 30 rural business owners and economic development representatives joined Fiona and John Scott behind the scenes at Shore. The meeting included a tour of the new hotel, participant feedback, and the Scott family sharing lessons from the project, as well as their plans for day-to-day operations and marketing for the new venture.
Supporting Sustainable Tourism and Rural Diversification in Scotland
The Scott family’s investment showcases how Scottish farming families are leading rural diversification, supporting sustainable tourism, and creating opportunities for the next generation within the Agritourism Monitor Farm Programme.
For more information on Scotland’s Agritourism Monitor Farmers Fearn Farm and to book a stay, visit the Shore Hotel website.