A “secret” chapel in an historic Highland ruin could be turned into a bathroom for the rich and famous.
The chamber was discovered during preparatory work at Mingary Castle, which is being rebuilt at a cost of more than £2.3million after lying empty for 150 years.
It is hoped the 13th-century landmark near Kilchoan on the Ardnamurchan peninsula, will become a holiday retreat for wealthy pop stars, actors and other celebrities.
Archaeologists, who carried out extensive studies on the ancient building before restoration work could begin, discovered the chamber – thought to have been used as a chapel – in the original 10ft thick north wall.
Its windows had been blocked up and part of the room filled in, but the obstructions have now been cleared.
New plans for the property show the chamber divided into two bathrooms, one of which has a toilet set into a window alcove.
Local historian, Jon Haylett, who is keeping a close eye on the restoration work, said he felt the project had now “turned the corner”.
He said: “They’ve stopped taking things down and they’re beginning to build it up again.
“They are starting to look at things like putting in floor joists and lintels and they are working on the chapel.”
Castle owner, Donald Houston of Ardnamurchan Estate, won permission for the Mingary Preservation Trust to turn it into a residential property.
He said turning the landmark into a holiday let was the best way to ensure it would be self-financing and prevent it falling back into a state of disrepair.
The trust is still trying to raise the money needed to finance the scheme.
So far, it has received donations of just over £250,000 towards its target of almost £2,365,000.
Anyone wishing to donate to the project can do so at www.mingarycastletrust.co.uk.