Client
Glenmorangie Company Ltd
Interior Designer
Russell Sage Studio
Location
Port Ellen, Islay
Progress
Complete
As the main contractor, we delivered the transformation of the former Islay Hotel into Ardbeg House Islay. Our team completed a full hotel fit-out, creating 12 unique bedrooms, a restaurant, and a bar, in collaboration with Russell Sage Studio, who designed the spaces.
A key part of bringing Ardbeg House to life was celebrating the island’s talent and heritage. We worked closely with over 20 Scottish and Islay-based artisans, who contributed bespoke elements throughout the hotel — from handcrafted finishes and furniture to distinctive design features inspired by Islay’s whisky-making tradition. Each element carries the story of the island, blending luxury with authenticity in a way that feels unmistakably Islay.
Ardbeg House is designed to immerse guests in the rich spirit of Islay. Each of the 12 uniquely themed rooms tells a story inspired by the island’s whisky heritage and local legends. A playful highlight is the hidden “Press for Smoke” whisky bottles, cleverly concealed within bespoke furniture pieces that our workshop crafted. As main contractor, we coordinated the fit-out across bedrooms, bathrooms, the restaurant, bar, and exterior areas, ensuring every detail—from joinery to immersive features—was executed seamlessly.
By uniting the creative vision of Russell Sage Studio with the skill of local artisans and our expertise as main contractor, we delivered a destination that goes beyond accommodation — it offers guests an authentic and immersive Islay experience. Every space, detail, and hidden surprise reflects the island’s heritage while setting a new benchmark for luxury hospitality.
I want to express my sincere appreciation for Thomas Johnstone and their outstanding work on the recent Ardbeg House project. From the outset, the team demonstrated a high level of professionalism, expertise, and commitment to delivering the project on time and to the highest standards.From Tenders stage, pre-construction stage and on site construction teams were professional and easy to work with.The proactive approach to problem-solving, excellent communication, and collaborative spirit were instrumental in ensuring the project’s success. They consistently went above and beyond to address challenges and keep the project on schedule, while maintaining a strong focus on quality, safety and to the highest of standards expected by our interior designer and internal stakeholders.We are extremely pleased with the final result and would definitely consider Thomas Johnstone for any future high-profile specialist fit-out projects. Their dedication, competence, and commitment to client satisfaction are truly commendable.
Project Details
Client
Glenmorangie Company Ltd
Interior Designer
Russell Sage Studio
Location
Port Ellen, Islay
Progress
Complete
As the main contractor, Thomas Johnstone Ltd delivered the transformation of the former Islay Hotel into Ardbeg House Islay. Our team completed a full hotel fit-out, creating 12 unique bedrooms, a restaurant, and a bar, in collaboration with Russell Sage Studio, who designed the spaces.
A key part of bringing Ardbeg House to life was celebrating the island’s talent and heritage. We worked closely with over 20 Scottish and Islay-based artisans, who contributed bespoke elements throughout the hotel — from handcrafted finishes and furniture to distinctive design features inspired by Islay’s whisky-making tradition. Each element carries the story of the island, blending luxury with authenticity in a way that feels unmistakably Islay.
Ardbeg House is designed to immerse guests in the rich spirit of Islay. Each of the 12 uniquely themed rooms tells a story inspired by the island’s whisky heritage and local legends. A playful highlight is the hidden “Press for Smoke” whisky bottles, cleverly concealed within bespoke furniture pieces that our workshop crafted. As main contractor, we coordinated the fit-out across bedrooms, bathrooms, the restaurant, bar, and exterior areas, ensuring every detail—from joinery to immersive features—was executed seamlessly.
By uniting the creative vision of Russell Sage Studio with the skill of local artisans and our expertise as main contractor, we delivered a destination that goes beyond accommodation — it offers guests an authentic and immersive Islay experience. Every space, detail, and hidden surprise reflects the island’s heritage while setting a new benchmark for luxury hospitality.
I want to express my sincere appreciation for Thomas Johnstone and their outstanding work on the recent Ardbeg House project. From the outset, the team demonstrated a high level of professionalism, expertise, and commitment to delivering the project on time and to the highest standards.From Tenders stage, pre-construction stage and on site construction teams were professional and easy to work with.The proactive approach to problem-solving, excellent communication, and collaborative spirit were instrumental in ensuring the project’s success. They consistently went above and beyond to address challenges and keep the project on schedule, while maintaining a strong focus on quality, safety and to the highest of standards expected by our interior designer and internal stakeholders.We are extremely pleased with the final result and would definitely consider Thomas Johnstone for any future high-profile specialist fit-out projects. Their dedication, competence, and commitment to client satisfaction are truly commendable.
