The historic Kings House Hotel is set for a major facelift following Highland Council’s approval of plans to rejuvenate the Glencoe landmark.

Despite earlier objections from National Trust for Scotland and the John Muir Trust, the project plans received the green light following a meeting of the planning committee on Tuesday.

James Allan of managing agents Bidwells said: “This is a superb result for our client who has been very focussed on providing a well thought out project which will bring employment to the area and encourage more visitors to this stunning part of Scotland.

“The plans for the hotel are in-keeping with the majestic environment and our client is very focussed on making this a sustainable project which complements their existing business interests elsewhere in Scotland, such as the Drymnin whisky distillery on the Morvern Peninsula.

“The de Spoelberch family recognised the hotel needs money and care and should be a place for people who enjoy sport and the outdoors. They consider this project as an impact investment, which is close to them and the things they love, whilst ensuring the proposal is economically viable.

“They have always been adamant that they didn’t want to do anything that would displease the community and would not have proceeded with something that was not supported.”

Construction work is due to start on the hotel as soon as possible with a projected completion for the beginning of 2019.