GUESTS at the Gleneagles hotel, which plays host to the Ryder Cup, have been barred from going on to their balconies in case they fall off them.

Decorative stonework on the balconies of some of the most luxurious suites has been deemed too low. It is feared they could prove a danger for hotel residents venturing on to the balconies to take in the views of rural Perthshire.

It could pose a problem for professional players and officials who have fully booked the hotel for the golfing battle between Europe and the US from September 23 to 28.

The hotel has submitted plans to increase the height of the masonry but the work is unlikely to be completed before the tournament.

In a letter on behalf of Gleneagles to planning officials at Perth and Kinross Council, architect Neil McLeish said a "slight fall" in the flat roofs means the balustrades of the hotel's seven balconies do not comply with current regulations.

He added: "Consequently, the balconies have had to be made inaccessible to guests with the French doors blocked off and advisory notices fixed.