A DANISH billionaire who owns almost a dozen Scottish estates is now carrying out a major spruce-up of his fairytale castle.

Aldourie Castle, on the shores of Loch Ness, was bought by Anders Povlsen for £15 million in 2014.

Now he plans an extensive revamp of the five star property, which is available to hire for sole exclusive use at a cost of £15,000 for a minimum two night stay.

Permission for the construction of a new kitchen extension and boot room, alongside new garage range, a low serpentine wall enclosing the driveway, and a bridge leading from a terrace across a burn are also being sought from Highland Council.

There are also plans to bring a walled garden in the grounds, which has fallen into disrepair, back into use and reharl the 13-bedroom castle in lime render.

Some of the vegetation in the grounds will also be cut back to open up the views to the loch.

Management at the castle said the work was all designed to improve the visiting experience for guests.

Aldourie, which sits at the northern end of Loch Ness, is used as an exclusive luxury retreat and is available to be hired privately.