Visitors to an acclaimed west coast oasis could soon be touring the historic house which overlooks the beautiful gardens.
Inverewe Gardens attracts thousands of visitors every year to see the array of plants including some that are tropical.
Now its owners, the National Trust for Scotland (NTS), will spend nearly £1.5million on restoring the 1930s mansion on the estate.
The NTS plans to completely overhaul the outside of the Inverewe House and renew the electrics, plumbing and heating.
When the refurbishment is finished, the house, and nearby summer house will be opened up to the public.
Some areas of the building will be converted to provide “multi-purpose space”, general toilet facilities for staff and visitors and a refreshment area.
The contract for the work has been awarded to Simpsons Builders, based in Beauly.
Their previous projects include installing the disability ramp at Ness Bank Church, Inverness, and conversion of Garve Church.
Inverewe Gardens were created by Osgood Mackenzie, whose mother Lady Mary bought the site in 1862.
Then it was a rocky outcrop and Mr Mackenzie spent his life transforming it into one of the best gardens in Scotland.
The luscious site is protected from the harsh elements by many acres of pine trees.
An NTS spokeswoman said that the aim was to “make more” of the visitor attraction.
She added: “We will be giving visitors a chance to learn more about the gardens and Osgood Mackenzie who founded the gardens and his daughter Mairi Sawyer, who kept it going.
“We hope to add an extra element to the experience so that people understand a bit more about the gardens and why they are so special.”
Mr Mackenzie also built Inverewe Lodge, which was completed in 1870 but destroyed by fire in 1914.
The current Inverewe House was built in 1937.
Mr Mackenzie’s daughter, Mairi gifted the garden and estate to the NTS before her death in 1952.