A historic Moray landmark is in line for a £3million upgrade which could secure its place as one of the country’s premier visitor attractions.
The “radical” plans for Brodie Castle are aimed at luring more families by creating a new garden and pavilion in its grounds.
The development would include a cafe and indoor play area, as well as rooms which will be available to hire for exhibitions or events.
The 16th century castle is run by the National Trust for Scotland, which said the improvement scheme could bring thousands more tourists to the region every year.
The organisation’s chief executive, Simon Skinner, said the proposed “garden of playfulness” would draw on the castle’s rich past for inspiration.
Mr Skinner said: “We are creating nothing less than one of Scotland’s most significant heritage attractions here.
“Brodie Castle is packed with historical and architectural importance, and we are building upon its colourful story to create features that will offer a fantastic visitor experience.
“Families will come away having learned a great deal about Brodie, but will have fun in doing so.
“We expect Brodie Castle and its ‘garden of playfulness’ to be a great boost for the local economy, attracting many more visitors.”
Plans for the £2.8million investment have been lodged with Moray Council and, if they are approved, construction will begin soon to ensure the new features can open next year.
The pavilion would be built at the entrance to the new garden, located within an existing walled garden at the site.
More parking space would be created to cope with an expected influx of visitors.
The castle, three miles west of Forres, is thought to have been the ancestral home of the Brodie family since at least the 13th century – but the present building was completed in 1567.
It was taken on by the National Trust in 1980, after Ninian Brodie – the 25th member of the family to own the 175-acre estate – realised its upkeep was beyond his resources.