An Angus hotel could be in line for a ”six-figure” investment for a major extension and refurbishment.
The Hillside Hotel is at the centre of a planning application for the construction of five new self-catering units within its grounds.
If approved, the development in Hillside near Montrose would also see the existing nine bedrooms renovated to become five larger bedrooms.
A new reception area, a reshaped bar and an extended kitchen are also included in the plans, which are due to come up for approval with Angus Council next month.
Car parking spaces would increase from eight to 12, although the vehicle access arrangements are not scheduled for change.
A public meeting to discuss the proposal was held in Hillside Village Hall on Wednesday night.
In 2010 the owners had a controversial application to transform the site into nine flats refused, with residents objecting the loss of the hotel and the only bar in the village.
A hotel spokesman said the revised planning measures were being put forward with a view to upgrading the business before selling it on.
He said: ”It is well documented how many hotels and bars are shutting down just now and we decided that we needed to do something to get the place back in shape.
”We have not done much other than cosmetic refurbishments over the last five years and we are looking to take it from a quaint family-run business to something that is much more modern.
”What we are spending is a big amount for any business and it is a bit of a calculated gamble. We are really hoping to attract new customers to the bar from the village and from outside the area,” he continued.
The bar area would be changed from a an L-shaped room to a larger space more suitable for hosting band nights and other functions.
A lift for disabled guests would be included.
The spokesman added: ”We have to speculate to accumulate and we want to put more rooms and more facilities in for people, to get the place into better shape.
”We are hoping it all comes off. It would be good to see the place getting a proper facelift.”
The hotel is in the area of Hillside, Dun and Logie Pert Community Council, which discussed the proposal at the latest meeting.
Although only basic details have been released, members of the group said they were keen to learn more.