Andy Murray buys former country hotel in Perthshire

Mr Murray plans to transform Cromlix House hotel into a five-star destination

US Open and Olympic tennis champion Andy Murray has bought a former hotel in Perthshire.

The 25-year-old plans to transform Cromlix House Hotel in Kinbuck into a 15-room five-star destination, creating up to 40 new jobs.

It is to undergo an extensive refurbishment before re-opening next spring ahead of the 2014 Ryder Cup.

Inverlochy Castle Management International (ICMI) is to manage the hotel on behalf of Mr Murray.

Cromlix House Hotel previously operated as a five-star country house hotel until it closed in February 2012.

Secured future

In 2010, it served as the wedding venue for Murray's tennis-playing brother, Jamie, and his wife Alejandra Gutierrez. The world number three was the best man.

Mr Murray said: "I am pleased to have acquired Cromlix House and look forward to securing its future as a successful business.

"By re-establishing Cromlix as a leading luxury hotel at the heart of the Dunblane community, we will be able to attract new visitors to the area, create a number of new jobs and focus on supporting other local businesses.

"I'm pleased to be able to give something back to the community I grew up in."

'Exciting project'

ICMI already manages eight other independent properties around Scotland, including Inverlochy Castle, near Fort William, Greywalls Hotel in Gullane and The Atholl, in Edinburgh.

Norbert Lieder, ICMI's managing director, said: "We are delighted to be working with Andy in this very exciting project to redevelop and run Cromlix House.

"Our team of experts has experience in every aspect of the hospitality industry and specialise in working with independent properties and transforming them into luxurious destinations.

"I am confident that, with Andy, we can create a very special hotel in his home community.

"While we aim to create a destination that attracts visitors from around the world, we are also determined to ensure it remains a venue of choice for local people."