Plans for a £7million spa, wedding and conference venue on Deeside have been submitted.
The Potarch Hotel, at Ballogie, near Banchory, could be transformed into a 4-star facility with 40 bedrooms, a bistro restaurant and an informal bar area.
Developers Ballogie Estate Enterprises expect up to 45 jobs to be created by the venture during peak times.
Randall Nicol, partner in Ballogie Estate Enterprises, said: “We are passionate about Ballogie and Deeside and all the indications are, from the extensive research undertaken and the feasibility studies commissioned, that the Ballogie Hotel and Spa will have a unique place for future business in the Scottish market.”
If planning permission is granted, construction work could get underway next year and the venue could open in summer 2016. The building would be renamed as the Ballogie Hotel and Spa.
The existing public bar building, on the south bank of the River Dee, would be retained and refurbished with a three-storey extension for the accommodation.
Proposals for the spa, which would be housed in a separate building from the main hotel, include six treatment rooms, an indoor/outdoor hydro pool, a laconium and caldarium for hotel guests and day visitors to use.
The bistro restaurant could cater for 80 people with the events facility capable of hosting 150 people for receptions or 120 for weddings or conferences.
Mr Nicol added: “Nowhere else is there a four-star country hotel with the level of spa and event facilities that we are planning.
“The hotel will showcase the very best that Scotland has to offer – the countryside, the experience, the food and drink, as well as the best Scottish hospitality.
“We will combine these to provide a unique destination experience which will attract more visitors to Royal Deeside and be a magnet for local residents.”