THE Aultbea Hotel in Wester Ross is being refurbished after its new owners secured bank funding.

Business partners Robin Macgregor and Ballal Mirza have completed their purchase of the premises and plan to undertake a phased programme of renovations through to the winter. Mr Macgregor said the local community had given the pair a warm welcome and added: "It is an exciting time as we see our business plan turn into reality."

The deal was backed by a loan in the region of £180,000 from Royal Bank of Scotland.