K Allan Properties are delighted to present The Merkister Hotel to the open market as a successful and well-established going concern, offering a rare opportunity to acquire one of Orkney’s most admired hospitality businesses.
Set within spectacular private grounds on the shores of the renowned Loch of Harray, this award winning hotel enjoys a truly enviable position on the West Mainland of Orkney. With panoramic loch views, direct lochside access and beautifully maintained gardens, the property offers a unique combination of tranquillity, natural beauty and commercial appeal.

Location
The Merkister Hotel occupies a prominent and peaceful rural setting, just a short drive from both Kirkwall and Stromness, where the islands’ main amenities, ferry terminals and airport are located.
The hotel is ideally positioned for visitors wishing to explore Orkney’s world-famous attractions, including:
•Skara Brae
•Maeshowe
•The Ring of Brodgar & Standing Stones of Stenness
•The Brough of Birsay
•Several RSPB nature reserves
The loch itself is widely regarded as one of Scotland’s finest freshwater fishing lochs, making the hotel particularly popular with anglers, wildlife enthusiasts and returning guests year-round.

The Business
Owned and successfully operated by the MacDonald family since 1983, The Merkister Hotel has built a strong reputation for quality accommodation, exceptional dining and warm Orcadian hospitality.
The business enjoys a loyal customer base, attracting locals, tourists and specialist visitors alike throughout the year.

Accommodation
The hotel offers a total of 16 letting bedrooms, comprising:
•13 bedrooms within the main building
oAll with en-suite shower rooms (with one benefiting from a private bathroom)
•3 modern en-suite letting rooms
oConstructed approximately 10 years ago
oPositioned alongside the hotel
oEnjoying stunning loch views
All rooms are well-presented and designed to maximise comfort and the exceptional outlook.

Restaurant and Public Areas
The award-winning restaurant is a defining feature of the hotel, accommodating approximately 60 covers and perfectly positioned to enjoy uninterrupted views across the loch.
Guests can experience Orkney’s abundant wildlife, including swans, herons and birds of prey, alongside some of the islands’ most remarkable sunsets.
Additional facilities include:
•A well-equipped commercial kitchen
•Laundry facilities
•A busy and popular lounge bar, well-supported by locals and visitors alike, providing a more informal dining option
•A private residents’ lounge, offering:
oComfortable seating
oA small library with works by Orcadian authors
oComplimentary filtered coffee throughout the day
oCourtesy bar (subject to licensing conditions)

Grounds
The hotel stands within generous private grounds, offering:
•Direct access to the Harray Loch
•Extensive lawned gardens
•Potential space suitable for helicopter landing
The setting provides a peaceful retreat while remaining highly accessible.

Owners' Accommodation
There is no owner’s accommodation included within the sale. However, a separate residential property located adjacent to the hotel may be available by separate negotiation.

Staff
The current owners have fostered an excellent working relationship with their team. The purchaser will be required to comply with all relevant employment legislation, and consideration of staff continuity is of importance.

Tenure & Licensing
•Tenure: Freehold
•Licences: The hotel benefits from all necessary licences for the operation of the business

Accounts
Trading accounts and further financial information are available to seriously interested parties upon submission of a formal note of interest through legal representation.

Guide Price
Offers of .......are invited

Viewings
Strictly by appointment through K Allan Properties.
Prospective purchasers are encouraged to discuss any specific requirements prior to arranging a viewing.

Directions
Travelling on the A965 (Kirkwall–Stromness road), take the turning onto the A986 towards Harray/Dounby/Birsay. Follow signs for Harray and turn left onto Russland Road. The Merkister Hotel is clearly signposted and easily identifiable. WHAT3WORDS Location: ///ozone.nourished.flood

A Rare Opportunity
The Merkister Hotel represents an outstanding lifestyle and business opportunity in one of Scotland’s most scenic and culturally significant locations. Combining an established trading history, loyal clientele and an exceptional setting, this is a truly unique acquisition on the Orkney market.

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ANTI MONEY LAUNDERING LEGISLATION
As with all Estate Agents, K Allan Properties are subject to Anti Money Laundering Regulations. These regulations require us, as selling agents, to perform various checks on the property buyers. We will require certified photographic evidence of the buyer’s identity and proof of address on a recent utility statement. We are unable to progress any sale to completion until these requirements have been fully satisfied.

DISCLAIMER
Whilst we endeavour to make these particulars accurate, they do not offer/form any part of a contract on offer and are not guaranteed. Measurements are approximate. We have not tested electricity, gas, water services or any appliances. Photographs may have been taken with a wide-angle lens.