The owners of a private members club located on the edge of St Andrews have announced a £12m expansion plan which will create around 40 new local jobs.

The Eden Club at Pittormie Castle will shortly embark on a luxurious and sensitive development within the estate to create 10 ultra-high-end residences with four bedrooms each.

The move will double the number of fully serviced second-homes on the estate in addition to the eight stately suites located within the main castle and will be privately funded by the owners.

Fiona McIlroy, general manager of the Eden Club and Pittormie Castle, said: “Our owners believe that it is the right time to invest in the property as we see opportunities for growth in our international membership club model.

“We now have great demand from international members looking to visit Scotland year round, to play golf, hunt or enjoy other pursuits using our iconic castle home as their base.

“Unlike other Scottish clubs, The Eden Club is not venue dependent. Members join an international club which gives access to multiple dimensions wherever they reside including a luxurious lifestyle concierge, outstanding events schedule and private residence club.”

Pittormie Castle and estate was purchased by in 2005 from the McKinnon family who until recently owned Drambuie. Working with Historic Scotland, The Eden Club carried out a detailed and sensitive renovation to create the most luxurious private embers club at the home of golf. It now hosts over 700 members from 42 different countries.

Work on the expansion commences in November 2015 and is expected to complete in time for the 2017 summer golfing season.