New hotel plan for historic site

The former bank and infirmary will become a luxury hotel

A new luxury hotel is to be opened in Stirling's old town.

Councillors in the city approved an application by Glenbervie House Hotels Ltd to convert the Category B listed building on Spittal Street.

A special archaeological watching brief has also been implemented to ensure any historical artefacts are preserved.

In 1827 human remains and pottery dating from Romans times were discovered at the site in a trench 9ft under ground.

The proposed development, which served as a bank in 1825 before becoming the city's first infirmary in 1874, also adjoins the former site of Stirling's medieval Franciscan Friary.

In more recent times the building has served as the headquarters of NHS Forth Valley.

The new development will also feature an extension, housing, a gym and swimming pool.

Chair of the city's planning panel, Cllr Alasdair MacPherson, said: "This new hotel is a good example of how a historic building can be sensitively redeveloped.

"The hotel is a very welcome addition to the city and will provide jobs for local people both during the construction phase and when the hotel is open for business."