Upgrading work, soon to begin on an Isle of Barra hotel, is set to provide a new dining experience for locals and visitors alike.

The Craigard hotel, which was taken over by its current owners less than two years ago, sits on a hillside in Castlebay, the largest town on the island. It overlooks the bay and its castle, which is the ancient seat of the clan MacNeil.

The £50,000 upgrading work will make this view accessible to many more of the hotel's guests by adding a conservatory dining area, with space for ten tables, to the front of the hotel. The work also includes the provision of disabled access to the hotel.

The improvements are being supported by Western Isles Enterprise (WIE) who are investing £17,500 in the project, which will create some new employment.

The dining area work complements other recent improvements to the hotel's seven bedrooms and lounge areas, which have seen its grading rise from two to three star.

WIE's chief executive Donnie Macaulay said: "Tourism plays a key role in Barra's local economy, and this development will help to provide a better quality experience for visitors to one of the most popular and established businesses on the island. Despite the challenging conditions facing the industry as a whole, what is increasingly clear is that the successful destinations and facilities are those which are offering a high quality service and this work on the Craigard Hotel will play its part in raising the standard of provision on the island."

Hotel director Donald MacLean said: "We are one of the few places on the island to cater for visitors and provide food all year round, and we are very keen to concentrate on this side of the business. The extra space, and the attractive setting this extension will provide will give people a better dining experience.

"It is important to us to develop the service we offer, because there is no doubt that people are becoming more discerning - looking out for better value and the higher-quality service we hope to provide."

The work, which is due to start at the end of January next year will be completed by Easter, in time for the next season.