Creag Mhor was originally built in 1890 as a private residence for the wife of the Episcopalian Bishop of Argyll and the Isles.

At some time in the mid-1890s, James Cholmeley Russell, acquired Creag Mhor.  Russell was a Barrister, Financier, Property Developer and Welsh Railway Entrepreneur.  He was a key shareholder of the North Wales Narrow Gauge Railways Company from which the Welsh Highland Railway Company ultimately emerged.

Much of Creag Mhor’s exterior looks as it did back then, the large Victorian greenhouse that can be seen in one of the photos, is no longer in tact.  All that remains today is the lower part of the greenhouse wall and some of the old plumbing.

Family photographs show Russell, his family and friends relaxing in the grounds.  It was at Onich that he kept his steam yacht “Madge”.  JCR seems to have been a pioneer motorist, as two of the family photographs, show a large open perilously balanced on planks on the Ballachulish ferry.

Russell died in 1912 of a stroke at the age of 71 and is buried in Merrow, next to his mother in law, Catherine Elizabeth Broone.  At probate, Russell’s estate was valued at £166,000 which would be worth in excess of £15m today.

1922-1982

Creag Mhor Lodge was purchased in 1922 by the CHA “Countryside Holiday Association”.  The Lodge was well placed for Glencoe, Ben Nevis and the Great Glen.  In the first year some 856 weeks were spent there and throughout the 1920s and 1930s the average number was between 800 and 900.  The accommodation fitted will into the pattern of early visitors, it was simple, the walking was strenuous and bunk beds added to the general image of what a grade 1 centre would be like.  Numbers began to fall away during the 1960s and 70s and reluctantly Creag Mhor was sold in 1982.

Since this date Creag Mhor has been owned by a variety of people and since 2000 has been run as a guest house for people exploring the highlands of Scotland.