Fri 4th Jun 2021 - Exclusive – Kings Park Capital invests in Highland Coast Hotels Exclusive – Kings Park Capital invests in Highland Coast Hotels: Sector investor Kings Park Capital (KPC) has completed an investment in Highland Coast Hotels (HCH), a collection of high-quality hotels located along the North Coast 500 (NC 500) touring route in the Scottish Highlands, Propel has learned. HCH was formed in 2019 with the intention of acquiring independently owned hotels in unique locations on the NC 500, to invest in and strengthen the existing propositions. As part of the initial investment, HCH has acquired four landmark hotels on the route – the award-winning Kylesku Hotel, overlooking Loch Gleann Dubh in the West Highlands; The Royal Golf Hotel in Dornoch, positioned by the famous links golf course; Newton Lodge in Kylesku and the Royal Marine Hotel in Brora. These acquisitions are the first step in a plan to build a leading group of independent-spirited hotels in the region, with an ethos focused on “slow tourism”, offering guests “restorative holidays and encouraging exploration of the beautiful natural environment of the Highlands”. Industry sources said the deal reflected the appetite for investment in the staycation market, which is set to benefit from the ongoing international restrictions as a result of the pandemic. HCH will champion sustainable growth in local Highland communities and the group’s expansion will create a significant number of full-time hospitality career opportunities in the region. KPC will be working in close partnership with a founding team of experienced operators with a strong knowledge of the hospitality landscape in the Scottish Highlands, to support the expansion of the business through the development and acquisition of hotels. Roddy Watt, who has more than 30 years’ experience in the hospitality sector, will lead the group as chief executive, supported by David Whiteford, who previously led the North Highland Initiative and who will chair HCH. Kenny Neison, former chief financial officer of C&C Group, and Jim Gully, former strategy and commercial director at Lloyds Banking Group, will join the board as non-executive directors. KPC is an independent private equity investment firm dedicated to investing in the European leisure sector. KPC’s approach is to work closely with its management teams and using its capital, specialist knowledge and broad network of contacts to help management fulfil its strategic ambitions. Its current sector investments include the ten-strong 7Bone Burger Co and holiday park operator Lakeshore Leisure Group. KPC also previously invested in The Inn Collection Group, and supported the growth of the north east-based pubs with rooms operator from three to seven sites during the investment period between 2013 and 2018. Under KPC’s ownership, The Inn Collection Group increased its number of bedrooms from 112 to 211.