PLANS have been lodged for new holiday cabins at a West Fife hotel.

The Inn at Charlestown has previously undergone a major renovation, and has now revealed proposals for two new accessible lodges on its grounds.

It is hoped that the accommodation will become a popular spot for families and large groups as the venue also plans to expand on the host of events already offered.

Manager Kevin Morton told the Press: “The hotel has been extremely busy and we are looking to increase capacity.”

The business has outlined, in their ‘master plan’ submitted to Fife Council, a further focus on holding wedding fayres, Christmas markets, ‘Murder Mystery’ dinners, and party nights, on the premises.

The plan reads: “The newly refurbished Inn at Charlestown will provide an excellent facility for Charlestown and Limekilns residents which will attract much needed tourists to the area.

“In addition to providing new employment opportunities, the use of local suppliers and an influx of tourists will give local businesses a much needed boost.

“The proposed plans for The Inn at Charlestown have been carefully thought through and will allow the hotel to be improved while remaining open and safeguarding existing jobs. This investment will ensure the short-term security and long-term success of the hotel.”

It notes interest in expanding tourist attractions in Charlestown and Limekilns by becoming a destination in its own right. This includes suggestions of building a ‘mini spa’ and gym alongside the lodges at a later date.

If approved, both developments will be constructed using timber cladding and will be built away from the road to blend in with the woodland backdrop.

The application, submitted on behalf of Steven Campbell, also proposes plans to extend the hotel’s car park. The 100-year-old hotel was purchased by Mr Campbell in 2020 and he renamed the venue, which was previously known as the Elgin Hotel, as The Inn at Charlestown.

The thorough plan is hoped to “revive” the hotel, which has struggled in recent years after the retiral of previous owner Robert Weymes.

It explains: “His (Mr Campbell) family purchased Inglewood House, Alloa, in 2014 and over the last six years has taken it from unused office space to a stunning boutique hotel which employs over 50 local people and recently won Wedding Venue of the Year at the 2020 Scottish Wedding Awards.

“The proposed plan is to undertake a similar transformation of the Elgin Hotel.”