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History
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The Benleva Hotel was constructed around 300 years ago, and was originally used as a church manse - where the local minister lived. The building was converted for use as a hotel in the 1950's - although many locals are convinced that the ghost of a former minister still resides in the building today. The Spanish chestnut tree at the front of the Hotel was originally used as the local hanging tree and is the second oldest of its type in the UK at over 400 years old.
The name 'Benleva' was given to the house during the 1950’s. One of the previous owners came from the island of Berneray, in the Hebrides. The highest point of that island is a hill known as Beinn Sleibhe (Moor Hill) which is pronounced Ben Leva.
The current proprietors purchased the Benleva in November 2001 and have since carried out substantial improvements throughout the property. Initially the new bar had to be constructed, along with a complete refurbishment of the kitchen. New carpets have been installed and, most recently, a complete refurbishment of the en-suite bathrooms has been carried out during the winter of 2006/7.
The two proprietors are brothers and here is a brief biography of them!
Allan Crossland hails from Dunblane, near Stirling, and has spent some time in the hotel trade. The bulk of his experience, however, is in the outdoor activities field having obtained a university degree in forest management and also working for several years as a fisheries biologist. He will always be available to advise guests on the best walks, fishing spots and where to seek out the local wildlife.
Stephen Crossland is Allan's younger brother. He spent a couple of years as a solicitor in Scotland before seeing the light and embarking on a career in Hotel Management. He spent 5 years on Skye as Assistant Manager at one of the island's most famous hotels before purchasing the Benleva.
The current Chef is Rocco Rizza, originally a Glaswegian with Italian ancestry, but now living in Drumnadrochit with his family. Hopefully he will be with us at the Benleva for many years to come.
The first Loch Ness Beer Festival was held at the Benleva in September 2002. It was a great success and has been held every year since. It runs for a week and always finishes on the last Saturday in September. Each year it seems to grow in popularity and last year (2006) we managed to consume nearly 60 different ales & ciders during the week.
The Benleva Hotel was voted CAMRA Highlands & Islands Pub of the Year in 2003 (when we came 3rd in the overall Scottish Pub of the Year) and again in 2005 when we were runner-up in the Scottish awards. Maybe 2007 could be our year…..!! |
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