Fiddichside Inn, Craigellachie, Aberlour, Moray

The Fiddichside Inn is situated on the outskirts of the delightful and picturesque Speyside Village of Craigellachie. The surrounding area also offers spectacular views, walks and many outdoor pursuits such as hill walking, mountain biking, salmon and trout fishing and wildlife appreciation. The Lecht Ski resort is also close by as are the sandy beaches of the Moray Firth. Elgin, the administrative capital of Moray is approximately 15 miles away and offers an excellent range of amenities that you would associate with a principal town. The Highland capital city of Inverness is approximately 55 miles away by road, Perth is 105 miles away and Aberdeen is 58 miles. Both Aberdeen and Inverness have well served airports that offer a variety of national and international flights.

Business

The Fiddichside Inn, a cherished establishment in Craigellachie, Speyside, stands as a testament to Scotland's rich pub culture. This quaint riverside inn, affectionately known as "the little pub with a big heart," has garnered international fame for its authentic charm and storied past.
Originally constructed in 1842 as refreshment rooms for railway workers, the Fiddichside Inn has remarkably preserved its historical essence. The pub's legacy is deeply intertwined with the Smith family, who acquired it in November 1919. Dorothy Smith, who grew up in the pub, dedicated her life to its operation, later joined by her husband Joe. Their commitment to maintaining the inn's character ensured that it remained largely unchanged over the decades.
Today, the Fiddichside Inn continues to serve as a vibrant hub for both the local community and visitors from around the globe. Its timeless ambiance, free from modern distractions like music or mobile phones, offers a genuine Scottish pub experience. The inn operates 7 days a week during the summer months from 1pm to 10pm and during the winter months from 1p to 8pm 5 days a week.
In a thoughtful expansion of its offerings, the former owner's accommodation has been transformed into a luxury self-catering cottage. This addition provides guests with an immersive experience of Speyside living. The cottage features a spacious open-plan kitchen and living room on the ground floor, complete with a cosy wood-burning stove. Upstairs, two generously sized double bedrooms, each with private bath or shower facilities, offer comfortable accommodation. With no minimum stay and rates starting from £240 per night, the cottage complements the inn's existing charm.
The Fiddichside Inn remains a cornerstone of Craigellachie's community, blending its rich history with contemporary hospitality. It continues to welcome patrons with the same warmth and character that has made it a beloved destination for generations, truly embodying the spirit of a traditional Scottish pub.

The business operation could be altered to extend the ground floor of the self catering accommodation. This would significantly increase customer capacity. The business could then operate with 2 letting rooms.

Property

The Fiddichside Inn exudes Highland charm from the moment one steps through its main entrance. A welcoming hall greets visitors, providing access to the WC facilities and guiding patrons towards the heart of the establishment - the main bar area.
The bar itself is a testament to traditional Scottish pub design. Its stone walls lend an air of rustic authenticity, while a fireplace adds warmth and cosiness to the space. The well-equipped bar area stands ready to serve a variety of libations, catering to both locals and tourists alike. Seating is varied and comfortable, with an assortment of chairs and benches arranged to encourage conversation and conviviality. This thoughtful layout perfectly captures the essence of Highland hospitality.
For the proprietors, practicality is seamlessly integrated into the design. An entrance behind the bar provides easy access to the barrel and storage rooms, ensuring efficient service and stock management.
Adjacent to the pub, the self-catering cottage offers a luxurious extension of the Fiddichside Inn experience. Refurbished to exacting standards, the cottage boasts a modern open-plan design on the ground floor, combining a lounge and kitchen area for optimal comfort and convenience.
The first floor of the cottage houses two generously proportioned double bedrooms, providing ample space for relaxation, that sleep 4. Two bathrooms complete the upstairs layout, with one featuring shower facilities and the other a bath, catering to diverse preferences and ensuring a comfortable stay for all guests.
This harmonious blend of traditional pub atmosphere and contemporary self-catering accommodation makes the Fiddichside Inn a unique and appealing destination in the heart of Speyside.

External

The Fiddichside Inn boasts a picturesque external area that perfectly complements its riverside location. The property features a mature garden at the front, sloping gently towards the banks of the River Fiddich. This garden is adorned with a variety of shrubs and plants, creating a lush and inviting atmosphere. A standout feature is the newly added modern and spacious roofed decking area, which has transformed the outdoor space into one of the most idyllic beer gardens in Northeast Scotland. This sun-drenched deck offers patrons a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the serene river views. For convenience, the inn provides a substantial car park at the side of the property, ensuring ample parking for visitors.