A closed Black Isle care home could be set for a transformation into luxury apartments by a Inverness builder.
William Gray Construction is in the final stages of buying the landmark Marine House in Rosemarkie, through its sister company Ark Estates.
The Victorian building, which was once a hotel, has lain empty since it closed as a care home in May last year.
The prospective new owners now want to convert the building into 12 luxury two and three-bedroom apartments.
Managing director William Gray said: “We are delighted to have secured Marine House on a conditional basis subject to a small legal issue being resolved.
“It really is a beautiful building and it will be great to see it being given a whole new lease of life.”
A planning application for the building is due to be lodged in July, subject to the sale being finalised.
If planning permission is granted, work on the building will begin in September or October, with the new apartments scheduled to be finished in summer 2017.
Euan MacCrimmon, from selling agents Strutt and Parker, said: “This is a fantastic property which has been a focal point in Rosemarkie for many years.
“It has tremendous potential for development and we are delighted to have secured a deal, in principle, on behalf of our client.
“We look forward to working with Ark Estates to deliver the luxury apartments to the market”
Marine House closed as a care home in May last year after its operators were served with an improvement notice by the Care Inspectorate in 2014.
The notice was lifted by February 2015 but the building’s previous owners confirmed their plans to close down just weeks later.
Iain Brown, chairman of Fortrose and Rosemarkie Community Council, said: “It’s a magnificent building in a wonderful location and it should not be lost by sitting empty for too long.
“As a community council we will certainly be very interested in hearing more about the detail of the application when it is available.”
