An Aberdeenshire community has welcomed plans to revamp a historic Highland hunting lodge in the heart of their village.
Braemar’s Fife Arms Hotel is at the centre of a multi-million pound investment from Swiss art dealers, Iwan and Manuela Wirth, who plan to refurbish the 19th century inn.
The couple, who set up Highlands Hospitality Ltd to purchase the Mar Road building, plan to complete the acquisition from East Kilbride-based Hart Hotels in January.
And last night, locals said Mr and Mrs Wirth, who run the art firm Hauser and Wirth, were the ideal couple to refurbish the historic building.
Vice chairwoman of Braemar Community Ltd Doreen Wood, said: “We really very much welcome the investment in the village. The Fife is crumbling, it’s been crying out for some time. The fact that it has been taken on by a company of a calibre and a reputation of worth is terrific.
“I understand they are aiming to provide not just expensive accommodation, but a range so there’s something for all levels from walkers to families.
“It’s brilliant news for us, the fact that it’s coming at this moment is very fortuitous because there’s a lot going on in the village.”
However, the refurbishment of the Fife Arms means it will close from January next year until 2017.
Mrs Wood said: “Obviously there will be a bit of pain because they will have to shut it, but it’s short time pain for long term gain.
“The Fife is a major accommodation provider. At the end of the day it will be worth it.”
Mrs Wood said she had seen the work they had done to transform farm buildings in Bruton, Somerset, into a rural arts centre.
She added: “There are known for the quality of what they deliver, the have a reputation for delivering high-quality.”
Braemar councillor Peter Argyle said: “Like a lot of these hotels it’s certainly not in a bad way, but old buildings need care and investment. It’s an iconic building in the middle of the village, a very important building and a very important part of Braemar.
“The fact that someone’s willing to take it on is good for Aberdeenshire. It won’t necessarily be easy for it to be closed for two years but if the job’s being done the hotel will be there for a long time.”