Kinloch Lodge, a highly decorated hotel on the Isle of Skye, has changed ownership after more than five decades of family management. The Macdonald family, who have run the property since 1972, have passed the keys to the Wickman family, fellow Skye hoteliers with over thirty years of experience.
New Chapter for Historic Hotel
Located on the Sleat Peninsula in the south of Skye, Kinloch Lodge has a rich Scottish history centred around the Macdonald family. The hotel has won numerous awards, including No.1 Hotel in Scotland at the Reader's Choice Awards 2025 and being named a Michelin Key Hotel in the same year.
Sharing the news on Facebook on September 7, the owners wrote: "Today we share news of a new chapter in Kinloch's long story. After more than five decades of Macdonald family ownership, the keys to Kinloch Lodge pass to the Wickman family, fellow Skye hoteliers for more than thirty years with @flodigarryhotelskye and @cuillinhillshotelskye."
Warmth and Welcome to Stay
The owners assured guests that the hotel's character would remain unchanged: "Two families, both rooted in this special island, both understanding exactly what Kinloch means to the people who love it. The warmth stays. The welcome stays. Everything that makes Kinloch, Kinloch, stays exactly as it is."
They added: "It is business as usual, from today. Thank you - to our guests, our team, our suppliers and our friends - for over fifty years of Highland hospitality, and for the years still to come. We'll see you by the fire, very soon."
Well Wishes from Visitors
Many friends and former visitors shared their well wishes in the comments section. One person wrote: "Wowsa... sad but happy news. You have been the best example of hospitality I've ever experienced. And may the new owners have your massively warm and kind hearts... as that's what makes Kinloch Lodge sooo special."
A second Scot added: "Oh wow! New Chapter indeed. Every best wish to Isabella and staff for the future. Best of luck to the new owners." While a third penned: "Setting standards for Highland Hospitality for five decades. Thanks for some fabulous times at Kinloch. Very best wishes to you all."
Kinloch Lodge first started out as a farmhouse on Sleat back in 1676 before being converted into a shooting range by the Macdonalds of Skye in the 18th century. Its time as a hospitality destination began in 1972, when Golfrey Macdonald - eighth Lord Macdonald and the 35th High Chief of his clan - and his wife Claire decided to create a space encompassing everything they desired: comfy beds, warm and attentive service, and delicious food.
Their daughter Isabella was later made the owner of Kinloch Lodge, which is nestled between the rolling hills and vast shores of Loch na Dal. Providing both "comfort and relaxed luxury" at the historic location, Isabella shared that the family is proud to have run Kinloch Lodge for 54 years and are now excited for someone else to take over the reins.
She added on Facebook: "Kinloch's history is far older than our family. It holds centuries of Macdonald and Skye history within its walls and the surrounding landscapes. Kinloch Lodge will remain a home for Macdonalds and visitors from around the world to discover Sleat and Skye beyond for centuries to come."
