Better Than Paris!

Having spent the best part of thirty years as design professionals in the central belt of Scotland, Pat and Gordon Haynes decided to try their hands at something completely different.

To the astonishment of friends and relatives and armed with little more than self belief, they sold up and moved to the North West Highlands, there to create an oasis of 1920's stylish charm.

This is the story of their six years at Glen Loy Lodge trying to establish the hotel as a destination with a difference.

They quickly came to appreciate that the most heartening thing that anyone could say of their efforts was "We'll be back" but also realised that kind words didn't pay the bills.

In an age when more and more people are considering whether their transferable skills might allow them to choose the path of a mid-life career change, this tale offers a salutary lesson: Yes, you should throw yourself fully into your new life, but make sure that you've got an escape plan first.