The Torridon: Investing in People and Place
The Torridon is a family-owned five-star boutique resort in the Scottish Highlands. The business started as a bed and breakfast nearly 30 years ago, but through continued investment, it has grown and developed into a world-class luxury hotel. The Torridon now has 30 individually designed bedrooms, two restaurants, two bars, and an outdoor adventure centre. As the resort has expanded, it has received widespread recognition, including being featured in BBC’s Amazing Hotels with Monica Galetti and Giles Coren in 2020.
The success of The Torridon is largely due to reinvestment of resources back into the property and the team who work there. Up to 80% of the team live on site throughout the season, meaning The Torridon needs to provide both a safe working environment and suitable housing for a large portion of their team. The Torridon employs staff from both Scotland and abroad, and for many, living and working at the hotel offers an opportunity to explore the beautiful rural Highlands.
Due to its remote location, Owner and Director Rohaise Rose-Bristow is mindful of making The Torridon an attractive place to work. To retain staff, the business offers career progression and development opportunities for those wanting to learn new skills, including a training programme delivered on-site. To further support staff, all managers and supervisors are trained in Mental Health First Aid, and the business offers an employee assistance programme through Hospitality Action.
The Torridon has also been involved in the Hospitality Apprenticeships Scotland programme since 2016, and Rohaise has worked closely with others to improve apprenticeships in the sector. More recently, she has taken on the chairing role of the Technical Expert Group (TEG) for redeveloping hospitality apprenticeship qualifications. TEGs involve industry experts who work collaboratively to identify the skills, knowledge, and behaviours required for specific roles within hospitality. This process also includes developing guidance on how to deliver apprenticeships effectively.
The Torridon takes on professional cookery and hospitality apprentices every year. As part of the Hospitality Apprenticeship programme, apprentices here learn the art of five-star service in a range of roles. They rotate through different departments, giving them a well-rounded understanding of the opportunities available within the sector. The Torridon works closely with City of Glasgow College, and Rohaise is proud of how apprentices grow and develop within the programme. For example, one of their apprentices, Rosie Wilkins, won Apprentice of the Year in 2017, and following her apprenticeship, she stayed at The Torridon for six years. During that time, she progressed through various roles and eventually took on the responsibilities of a Front of House Manager.
For the business, taking on apprentices has been a straightforward process, especially as learning is supported through an online platform. The free platform is used by employers and training providers to manage apprenticeships using this digital portal, the college can interact with students directly and manage their apprenticeship journey. While the employer plays a supportive role, all assessments are conducted by the college, reducing pressure on the business. The Scottish Government also provides funding to help cover the costs of training and assessment, keeping costs down for employers.
For Rohaise, seeing young people thrive in their roles has been especially rewarding, and she encourages other hospitality businesses to engage directly with their staff to understand their views. One of the most significant changes at The Torridon has been the introduction of a digital platform to gather anonymous staff feedback. This has helped the team feel more comfortable sharing their opinions and has encouraged managers to engage more regularly with staff. The new system has improved the overall employee experience and fostered a culture of mutual respect in the workplace.
Furthermore, by investing time to define the business's vision and mission, Rohaise has created greater clarity around its direction, enabling stronger buy-in from the team. The ability to step back and focus on strategic planning—working on the business rather than just in the business—has been vital to The Torridon's long-term success.
The Torridon’s story is a powerful example of how thoughtful leadership, sustained investment in people, and a clear organisational vision can transform a remote hospitality business into a world-class destination. By prioritising staff wellbeing, offering genuine opportunities for growth, and embracing innovation—from digital feedback tools to modern apprenticeship models—The Torridon continues to set a standard for excellence in the sector. As Rohaise and her team look to the future, their commitment to nurturing talent and delivering exceptional guest experiences ensures that The Torridon will remain a beacon of sustainable hospitality for years to come.