Fort William's only four star hotel is preparing to go back in time now that work has started on an extension to improve function suite facilities and create a new residents lounge.

The development at the Moorings Hotel at Banavie is being designed to mimic Thomas Telford's house, which is located further up the Caledonian Canal from the hotel. World famous engineer, Thomas Telford designed the Caledonian Canal which was completed in 1822 and runs for 66 miles from Fort William to Inverness.

The ambitious development, which is costing nearly £280,000 is being supported by Lochaber Enterprise, part of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise network, with a funding package worth £42,000.

The Moorings Hotel currently employs over 30 staff and this project is set to create at least five new full-time posts.

Stewart Leitch, managing director of Lochaber Hotels Limited, who own the Moorings Hotel, said: "This is a major development for the hotel and has taken months of careful planning.

"As well as looking to enhance the general appearance of the hotel, we want to expand our function suite facilities in order to improve the long-term viability of the business by attracting more corporate events and larger weddings.

"An increase in this sort of business will also allow us to retain as many staff as possible during the quieter winter months."

Construction of the Thomas Telford-look extension began in February and is due to be completed by the end of June, with the work being carried out by local contractors R E Campbell Ltd.

Head of business development and infrastructure at Lochaber Enterprise, Scott Dingwall said: "Business tourism is a growing sector and becoming increasingly important to the economy of Lochaber, helping to reduce seasonality.

"Improved facilities for conferences and functions at the Moorings Hotel will help to boost Lochaber's attractiveness as a destination for business and pleasure."