Country house hotel expansion could deliver 60 jobs

Plans to expand a country house hotel in the south of Scotland could deliver up to 60 jobs to the area.

The RAD Hotel Group has lodged an application to extend its Hetland Hall Hotel at Carrutherstown in Dumfries and Galloway.

It would include 26 extra bedrooms, a spa and wellness facility and the creation of a new wedding and events space along with 10 woodland lodges.

A planning statement submitted in support of the plans said they would "create a unique visitor experience that embraces the exceptional landscape setting of Hetland Hall".

Hetland House was originally built in 1868 and has been expanded over the years and was used, for a time, as a seminary.

It became a hotel in 1985 and has operated as such since then.

If approved, the plans would see a two-storey extension added along with the woodland lodges.

The company said its plans had aimed to provide additional floorspace while respecting the architectural and historical significance of the building.

"Hetland Hall is an established country house hotel and recognised visitor destination within Dumfries and Galloway," said the statement supporting the plans.

It said the proposals represented a "significant investment in the continued evolution of the hotel" which aimed to "broaden the hotel's tourism offer".

The company said it could also deliver economic benefits by increasing visitor capacity, improving its wedding offering and creating new jobs.

It added it could also see increased visitor spending in the wider area, support local suppliers and strengthen the region's tourism sector.

The group said the proposals could secure the long-term future of the building through "sensitive expansion".

It will be up to Dumfries and Galloway Council's planning committee to decide - at a later date - whether the plans should go ahead.

Hetland Hall is one of a number of hotels operated by the RAD Group across Scotland.

The group was founded in 1999 with the purchase of Lochside House Hotel near New Cumnock, but it now owns a "portfolio of 10 stunning venues".

Among its other sites are Seamill Hydro, Fairfield House Hotel, Dalmeny Park and Lochgreen House.