Fresh multi-million pound plans for a four-star north-east hotel have been lodged.
The plans for Meldrum House, north of Oldmeldrum, include an extension to the imposing granite building which will add a further 28 bedrooms and a ball room.
The upgrade of the hotel, which includes an 18-hole golf course, is estimated to be worth £5milllion.
The ball room – which will double-up as a conference room – will allow the hotel to increase its wedding and function business and replace its current marquee.
Chief executive of Meldrum House Estates, Andy Burgess, said: “We are working on it as a requirement, a permanent building and conference facilities to accommodate the working business that we have managed to create at Meldrum.
“The function room would act as a ball room for weddings and dinners and as a conference venue.
He added that “a permanent facility rather than a marquee facility is desirable” – as the hotel is enjoying a booming business as a wedding venue.
Mr Burgess said: “We also recognise there is an opportunity for more bedroom accommodation in the area, particularly with those visiting the golf course during the summer.
“We believe that the market that we have created at Meldrum over the last four or five years is demanding more bedroom accommodation.”
He also said that the lure of the north-east as a golfing hot spot was helping the business attract more customers.
Mr Burgess added: “We have got our private golf course, we are finding there is a big increase in the number of people visiting the golf course in response to the Scottish Open and an increase from European and American golfers for the north-east.
“They base themselves at Meldrum but also go out and visit the coast to visit our different links courses.”
There are also plans for additional parking and a terraced garden area on the grounds of the estate to compliment the new reception and ball room.
Plans were lodged for an extension to Meldrum Hosue last year which included a new restaurant, an underground spa, a 15-metre swimming pool, gym, cafe and relaxation room.
However, the amended plans were re-submitted to Aberdeenshire Council earlier this week.
Mr Burgess said: “We decided a smaller development was more appropriate. This is a phased development, this will be really the second phase and in the future there is an opportunity to provide a spa but it would be in the short term.”
The mansion itself dates back to the 13th century and Historic Scotland has been informed of the plans.