Wimbledon champion Andy Murray said he is "delighted" with progress at his new luxury hotel as the five-star venue begins to take bookings.

The British number one bought Cromlix House Hotel, close to his home town of Dunblane in February.

The Victorian mansion is being refurbished and is scheduled to reopen next spring.

Murray revealed he has found time to keep an eye on the venture's progress in between making history on the court.

"I have obviously been pretty busy recently, but I've been keeping in touch with the refurbishment work at Cromlix and am delighted with its progress," he said.

"I'm really looking forward to the hotel getting up and running, creating new jobs in my home community and supporting other local businesses."

Managers say up to 40 local jobs will be created with the relaunch of the country hotel, where Murray's brother Jamie married in 2010.

It will feature 10 luxury bedrooms and five suites named after great Scots from the past and present, as well as a restaurant overseen by renowned chef Albert Roux.

Hotel managers Inverlochy Castle Management International launched a website and online booking for the venue today.

Managing director Norbert Lieder said: "There has been a huge amount of interest in Cromlix ever since Andy bought it and made his plans for the hotel known. That has intensified since his wonderful win at Wimbledon.

"The launch of the website and online booking facility is a major milestone in the project."

The hotel is already fully booked for next year's Ryder Cup, which is being staged a short drive away at Gleneagles.

Murray became the first British winner of the men's singles title at Wimbledon since Fred Perry in 1936.

For more information visit www.cromlix.com