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.
How Hay was granted the lease because the point where the river
Tay leaves the loch was an important crossing point. Accommodation and
refreshments for travelers 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 with chips. 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 center 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.
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 program which covered every bedroom, function
suites and made new additions:
The Taymouth Restaurant and Boars Head Bar. 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.