The Cairn Group will add a new five-storey wing – adding a further 73 rooms to the existing 77 rooms – a spa / gym, new kitchen and staff areas and extend the first floor function rooms, ground floor bar and restaurant. The Newcastle-based group’s plans for the hotel above North Queensferry include adding more glass and outside access to allow better views and photo opportunities of the Forth and the bridges. A design statement on behalf of Cairn said, “The proposal is to extend the hotel bedroom numbers to allow a well-known brand to occupy the hotel.

“This will include the extra provision of bar and restaurant space, plus a new focal point for the main hotel front entrance.” It added, “The entrance ‘core’ takes the form of a ‘glass box’ sitting between the existing hotel wings and new build bedroom block.

“This tower accommodates the wedding bedroom suites and larger hotel bedrooms, giving the occupants the opportunity to take in the fabulous, far-reaching views.

“The existing flat roof tops from the bar and restaurant will allow raised, open viewing plus photo opportunities.

“As part of the design concept, the front elevation is to read as one cohesive design.

“This will give the appearance that the building was built in one phase and not as it is at present, with different architectural styles, details and materials.” The extension will almost double the hotel floor space from 5350 sq m to 10,247 sq m but the number of car parking spaces will reduce from 180 to 152. Agents for Cairn had previously stated, “It is considered that the existing hotel is not viable and its long-term future is reliant on increasing the numbers.” They also said the current appearance of the hotel gave an “underwhelming welcome to Fife”.

Consent was previously granted in 2010 to form 199 bedrooms, conference accommodation, a public reception area and an extension to the car park, but was not implemented and subsequently expired in 2013.