Army veteran secures six-figure funding deal to transform Scottish hotel




The owner of a hotel complex in the Scottish Highlands, dedicated to members of the British armed forces, veterans, and their families, has secured a six-figure funding deal from Reward Finance Group to complete its transformation.

Forces Manor, situated in the Cairngorms National Park, is owned by former army soldier and now veteran Tony Brown. 

Tony spent his childhood in a children’s home before joining the army at the age 15.

The previous owners of Forces Manor, then known as the Ossian Hotel, allowed him to use their registered postal address so he could both provide it to the army and have somewhere to go on leave.

At the end of his military career, Tony returned to raise funds and saved the hotel from financial difficulty in 2014 by operating it as a bed and breakfast, until it was forced to close due to COVID-19. 

In 2020, Tony devised the idea of reopening the hotel business as Forces Manor, to provide a retreat for those involved in the military past and present. 

The latest improvements made to the complex — with the help of Reward — include the building of two extensions, improvements to the car park facilities and the renovation of the main hotel area to both enhance its energy efficiency and modernise the accommodation areas spanning 15 bedrooms and three self-catering apartments.


Tony Brown, director and founder of Forces Manor, commented: "Although we only opened Forces Manor seven months ago, we quickly recognised that there was massive potential to modernise and expand the facilities for our guests.

“I owe so much to the armed forces and so my vision for the hotel was always to create a luxury retreat that gives something back to those in the military, whether they be veterans or currently serving. 

“This major refurbishment work is the final piece of the jigsaw.

“The team at Reward have been extremely responsive, working closely with us to understand our aims for the business and to develop a flexible working facility that has enabled us to complete the building work on time and within budget.

“We’re looking forward to an exciting year ahead and a period of continued business growth after the struggles we faced during the pandemic.”

Lucie Martin, BDD at Reward, added: “It’s not every day you get to work with a business owner that has been on such a remarkable life journey as Tony has.

“Forces Manor is testament to his vision, perseverance and dedication to giving something back to the armed forces and so it’s hugely satisfying to be funding this latest refurbishment project that has transformed the entire complex.”

Pictured above L-R: Brian Machray, regional director for Scotland at Reward, Tony Brown, Lucie Martin 

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