Its history can be traced to at least the 19th century with monster hunters of all ages taking refuge from the elements or simply enjoying a warming drink under its roof.
But now the Dores Inn, on the banks of Loch Ness, has been sold to Scotland’s largest landowner who plans to overhaul the place.
Danish billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen bought the watering hole in the village of Dores, around eight miles from Inverness, including its surrounding water and shore frontages.
During the peak season, some 400 people pop by the pub every day hoping for a glimpse of Nessie with many of the recorded sightings made at the community.
The sale, for an undisclosed price, also includes the base of monster hunter Steve Feltham.
Danish billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen has bought the Dores Inn on the shores of Loch Ness
However, the tycoon’s company, WildLand, has assured his operations would not be affected by the deal.
CEO Tim Kirkwood said: ‘We recognise he is an important part and feature of the local scene and we are keen to work with him.
‘The Dores Inn is a popular and much-loved pub and restaurant in one of the most prominent and picturesque Loch Ness settings, close to Inverness and frequently visited by local people and visitors for access to the beach.
‘When we heard that long-term sustainability of business at the site could be enhanced through investment in the premises, it became clear that we should look at solutions that will align well with the interests of our business and the local community alike.
‘We are now committing a substantial programme of investment in the fabric of the premises with a view to getting the business back up and running there as a pub and restaurant in a very special location.
‘We look forward to engaging and sharing detailed plans with the village once a full review has been undertaken.’
The company will process to extensive assessment and renovation work at the site to ‘safeguard’ its long-term future.
It is estimated the process will take up to two years with the business restarting in 2026/27.
WildLife said it is committed to working closely with the community to manage – ‘where possible’ – beach access, car parking and public toilets during the project.
The Dores Inn sits on the shores of the famous loch
Monster hunter Steve Feltham has monitored the waters of Loch Ness since the 1990s
The total site area extends to approximately 3.24 acres.
Every year visitors flock to the area, where Mr Feltham has been searching for the elusive monster since 1991 – and the legend is said to be worth £41million in tourism revenue to the region.
It is believed Irish missionary St Columba was the first to encounter the beast in the River Ness in 565AD.
But ‘monster sightings’ truly took off in the 1930s after hotel manager Aldie Mackay reported a ‘whale-like fish’ in the loch.
The official register has now logged 1,158 sightings from records and other evidence stretching back through the centuries – but there have been just two so far this year.
Fashion billionaire Mr Povlsen is Scotland’s largest private landowner with more than 220,000 acres.
Last night John Martin, chairman of the Dores and Essich Community Council said it was hoped that ‘any issues would be conducted in good faith and in consultation with the community’.
He said that was the model with other properties acquired by WildLife and added: ‘Probably the most tricky problem will be parking as we are already swamped with car-based visiting and irresponsible parking, but in their defence, they have been receptive to a new car park adjacent to the village on their land.
‘Let’s hope that access by cycle and on foot to the beach will be retained.’
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