An Orkney couple are celebrating the completion of a major upgrade at their hotel in Burray.

John and Evelyn Gunn are delighted with the response from tourists and local people to a project costing around £250,000 that has completely transformed the Sands Hotel.

The second phase of the development, backed by a £35,900 funding package from Orkney Enterprise, has involved the creation of six en-suite bedrooms.

Commenting on the project, Mrs Gunn said: "Guests have told us how much they love sitting in their rooms enjoying the view over Water Sound. They have also complimented us on the Scandinavian feel of the rooms and praised the quality of the finish and the standard of fittings."

The Sands Hotel will be inspected by the national tourism agency VisitScotland next year, with the Gunns hoping for at least a three-star rating.

Orkney Enterprise development manager Graeme Harrison said the Kirkwall-based development agency had been keen to support the creation of high quality visitor accommodation in Burray. 

He said; "There has been a comprehensive upgrade at this rural, family-run hotel and the results are very impressive.  Supporting the development of accommodation like this in the isles and rural parishes is a top priority for us and the Gunns are to be praised for their insistence on quality.

"It has involved a major investment by them, supported by considerable assistance from both us and Orkney Islands Council, and it should help them diversify the tourism market in which they operate."

Phase one of the project started soon after the couple took over the hotel five years ago and attracted a £34,000 funding package from Orkney Enterprise.

It involved the creation of new public and lounge bars, the 40-seat Water Sound Restaurant and the Garden Room - a conservatory with spectacular sea views.

A new kitchen was built as well and has helped the Gunns develop a menu based around fresh local produce.  As well as the new bedrooms, phase two has involved the building of an extension to the rear of the hotel. This incorporates the main entrance, a reception area and office, and the staircase leading to the bedrooms.

Mrs Gunn said: "We have had to invest a lot ourselves in the upgrade of the hotel but we could not have gone ahead without the support of Orkney Enterprise and the council.

"Guests have been really positive, as have local people who have come in for a drink or a meal and have seen what we have done."

The Sands Hotel is an important source of employment in Burray, with 10 full and part-time staff.