A couple have invested £9 million to save a 14th-century Scottish castle from ruin and restore it to its former glory.
Businessman Steve Timoney and his wife Alison Reid-Timoney bought Crossbasket Castle in High Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, in 2011 after it was listed on Scotland's Buildings at Risk Register and then began "painstakingly" restoring the historic estate.
The castle is due to be reopened in spring next year as a luxury hotel, restaurant and event venue, managed by Inverlochy Castle Management International (ICMI).
New features include a grand ballroom overlooking the waterfalls on the River Calder, plus nine unique bedrooms and a drawing room, dining room and library all furnished with 14th, 15th and 16th-century pieces from across Scotland.
Mrs Timoney said: "My husband and I have a passion for restoring old buildings and first spotted Crossbasket Castle over a decade ago. When we purchased it, vandals had damaged the roof and interiors, it was leaking water and the walls were starting to deteriorate.
"Since then we have painstakingly restored it with a focus on using craftsmen to reinstate original features. Our aim is to create a sustainable business for our family that also supports the community we live in."
The castle will open for a preview event on December 21, with chef Albert Roux giving guests a sample of the food which will be available in the restaurant.
Norbert Lieder, ICMI managing director, said: "Alison has done a fantastic job with the restoration - I can honestly say her attention to detail and sympathetic restoration are first class."
ends
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