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A brief history of the Kenmore Hotel...
Scotland's Oldest Inn was established on the 3rd of November 1572. On that day Sir Colin Campbell of Breadalbane granted a lease to his servant How Hay and his wife Christian Stanes "an honest hostelrie" which should at all times have sufficient ale, bread and other provisions.
The lease was granted to How Hay because the point at which Loch Tay gives way to the River was considered to be an important crossing place. Accommodation and refreshments for travellers were often required. The building was impressive compared to the standards of the period, and fast made a reputation for being one of Scotland's finest inns.
With the advent of Archie's 1572 Wee Feastie Bar Menu all clan war was forgotten. Feuding Chieftains sat side-by-side enjoying a cooked-to-order Highland Feastie. When appetites for food had been satisfied, appetites for Clan War were once more resumed. On the Gallows Hill of Tom-Na-Croiche, within the shadow of the Kenmore gate, many a condemned clansman asked for a final takeaway Feastie from Archie's Wee Bar Menu.
The Kenmore Hotel and the surrounding area are steeped in Scottish history. The hotel is a listed building and the village is a conservation village, both being preserved through time. The hotel and the village of Kenmore will always be linked to Taymouth Castle, if not through ownership then through historical fact.
In the 17th Century, Cromwell's army marched past the front door of the Kenmore Hotel in pursuit of the Earl of Montrose. As the smell of musket shot drifted through the village square, the roundhead officers tucked into Archie's Wee Bar Feastie Menu. Praise was forthcoming and so the Kenmore hotel was spared the terrible torching and destruction that took place from Kenmore to Glen Lyon and beyond. The "model" village of Kenmore was built around the hotel in 1760. At that time the church was erected, replacing the one at Inchadney so confirming the growing settlement as the centre of local activity.
A few years later the bridge across the River Tay was built and the village, as we know it today, was laid out in the 18th century by the 3rd Earl of Breadalbane.
Rabbie Burns in 1787 was so struck by the area, that he composed a poem sitting on the bridge over the Tay and wrote it in pencil on the chimney breast of the fireplace in our Poets Bar where it is to this day.
In 1842 Queen Victoria and Prince Albert celebrated their Honeymoon at Taymouth Castle. During their memorable stay, they too were reputed to have sampled Archie's Wee Bar Feastie Menu and found it much to their liking.
The last Earl sold what remained of the Breadalbane Estate in 1922.
The Hotel was sold along with the remainder of the estate to the MacTaggart family. In December 1992 the hotel parted company with the rest of the estate, now known as Taymouth Estates. In December 1998 when the current owners took over, they started a massive refurbishment and extension programme which covered all bedrooms and function suites.
Scotland's Oldest Inn has survived through the centuries and will thrive into the new millennium. The hotel situated in the heart of the Scottish Highlands is still famous for its warmth, charm and highland hospitality. The beautiful setting, and historical character offer a touch of captivating charm unspoiled by time.