One of the most exclusive hotels in the world has been bought by an Asian businessman as part of a multi-million pound Scottish spending spree.

The property investor has also drawn up plans for a #4m mansion in a Skye beauty spot and has bought a traditional Highland hunting lodge on a remote river island.

Mr King Chong Chai, from Malaysia, has become the biggest shareholder in the Inverlochy Castle Hotel, near Fort William, haunt of the international jet set.

Among those those who have stayed at the castle are King Hussein of Jordan, Mel Gibson, Liam Neeson, and Sean Connery.

In December, Mr Chai is believed to have invested #4m into the hotel which is undergoing a major refurbishment including computer links in every room, a helipad, and landscaping improvements.

On Monday, he was given planning permission by the Highland Council for a 10-bedroomed traditional lodge overlooking Loch Bracadale, near Fiscavaig on Skye.

The #4m mansion has been designed by Portree architect Neil Campbell in a traditional Scottish style, complete with a round tower and conical turret.

Mr Chai is a regular visitor to the area and last year bought one of the largest houses there from Fiskavaig villager Calum Neish. Mr Neish said: ''He is a very charming, pleasant man. The spot he has picked for his new house is absolutely beautiful and he is planning to build there because of the view.

''I think he bought my house on a whim, like he buys many things. I am told that he was once driving through Inverness and spotted a Daimler, which he persuaded the owner to sell by making him an offer that could not be refused.''

Mr Chai cuts a dashing figure as he tours the Highlands in his Rolls-Royce, booking tables for 20 friends in some of the most exclusive restaurants Scotland has to offer.

A Malaysian of Chinese extraction, he is in his fifties and regularly flies to Scotland to visit his 12-year-old eldest son who is studying at Gordonstoun, near Elgin. Mr Chai is believed to be involved with the aerospace industry in Malaysia and is said to have strong ties with British Aerospace.

For several months of the year he brings his large, young family to live in his #500,000 Victorian lodge on Eilean Aigas, an island on the River Beauly, near Inverness, where he keeps a Rolls Royce.

The island was once part of the estate of the Lovat Frasers, who were forced to sell off much of their land and property in 1995 following the death of the last Lord Lovat. Further upstream he owns a large fishing lodge, known as the Stone House, which is let out for salmon fishing holidays.

In 1995 Mr Chai is believed to have made an offer in excess of #2m for the Lovat's ancestral home, Beaufort Castle, only to be narrowly beaten by Stagecoach boss Ann Gloag.

He has also bought a large house set in 66 acres near the links at Turnberry to stay in during business trips to British Aerospace at Prestwick.

In addition he owns a number of guest houses in Portree and Inverness as well as property in London, Canada, Kuala Lumpur, and Australia.