New general manager takes over at Highland hotel

A Highland hotel has appointed a new general manager.

Links House at Royal Dornoch has announced the arrival of Nicholas Gorton as its new general manager.

Nick has served since 1988 as the general manager of the award-winning Inver Lodge Hotel, Lochinver.

At Inver Lodge, Nick developed the initial overall strategy resulting in many industry acolytes over the years including, since 2009, managing the Chez Roux restaurant in conjunction with renowned chef Albert Roux. Inver Lodge Hotel is recognized as among the Highlands finest country house hotels rated 5-starred by VisitScotland and by AA.

Nick said: ‘I have had a tremendously rewarding 30+ year career at Inver Lodge but the opportunity to join Links House was too great an opportunity to pass up.

‘I look forward to leading the tremendously talented team at Links House and to continue to build what I believe to be the finest hotel and restaurant in the Highlands.’

Proprietor Todd Warnock said ‘We simply couldn’t be more thrilled to have Nick join our team as general manager.

‘Nick is amongst the most well-regarded hoteliers in Scotland and has an exceptional reputation for staff management and mentoring as well as impeccable customer service.

‘After completing our six-suite Glenshiel expansion in 2017 and doubling the size of our restaurant 2018, we have looked painstakingly for the right general manager. Nick’s experience in the Highlands is second to none and his kind, gentle customer service orientation is the perfect complement to our extraordinary team.’

Nick grew up in Cornwall, having attended Newquay School. He graduated from Cornwall College, Catering with an OND Hotel Management.

He is a member of Institute of Hospitality, a member of Chartered Management Institute and Passed Board Member of CASE( HIE) for five years. Nick has also served for many years as a judge for the Scottish Hotel Awards.

Nick will lead an expanded senior management team at Links House including Javi Santos as head chef, Melissa Anderson as operations manager, Fiona Herd as food and beverage manager, and Beata Pett as head housekeeper.

Links House holds 5-star ratings from VisitScotland and the AA, and was named the Golf Hotel of the Year for the Highlands by the Scottish Hotel Awards in 2018 for the third consecutive year. The Orangerie Restaurant is 5-star rated by VisitScotland as well as 2 Rosettes from AA and won Best Restaurant Experience in the Highlands in the 2018 Thistle Awards.