FORMER Celtic footballer John Hartson has been granted permission to build a luxury mansion after moving back to Scotland.

The former striker, who scored 88 times in 146 club appearances, is to build a five-bedroom house in West Linton, Peebleshire, where he lives with his Scots-born wife Sarah.

He bought a plot next to a golf course and the local council has been given the work the green light.

Former Wales internationalist Hartson, 42, who posted an image of the property on Twitter, said he was delighted with the work that has been done on the land over the last six months. The house will also have a “boot room”.