A TOP Tweeddale wedding venue has become an independent hotel after ending a franchise agreement with a global brand.

Owners of Barony Castle in Eddleston made the decision to split from French corporation Mecure last month.

Since buying the hotel in 2012 Richard Spanner, Scott Weatherby, Vytautas Syvys and his father Raimundas, have invested £1.4 million to upgrade facilities.

Mr Spanner told: "Withdrawing from the franchise wasn’t an easy decision to make, as Mercure is a phenomenally successful global brand, however, we believe the Barony is such a unique hotel that being an independent will actually provide an opportunity to further enhance its reputation based on its own outstanding merits.

"The Barony is a beautiful 16th century castle surrounded by 25 acres of outstanding grounds. It is a jewel in the crown for the Borders. Becoming independent provides the hotel’s management team and staff with an opportunity to build on those unique historical roots and attract even more visitors to the area looking to experience the authentic Scottish Borders."

As previously reported by the Peeblesshire News, work is to begin in the summer to create 26-two-bed luxury lodges in the hotel's grounds.

The project is expected to be completed in January 2019.

And the owners have taken advice from Business Gateway Scottish Borders and Resource Efficient Scotland, to help make the venue more energy efficient.

Mr Spanner added: “When we first thought of building new accommodation within our grounds we turned to Business Gateway for advice. Subsequent support with our business plan, digital marketing strategy, HR, and modern apprenticeship scheme has been invaluable, not only strengthening our local team but also helping us attract new visitors through our doors. Moving forward, we want to make Barony as environmentally friendly as possible, and thanks to our adviser connecting us with Resource Efficient Scotland we now have an action plan that will help us achieve that goal.”

Annie Watt of Business Gateway added: “Over the past few years, the hotel owners have accessed our support to help make the hotel more efficient and strengthen its offering. They have ambitious plans to build on the reputation Barony already has and we will continue to offer support to help them achieve their goals.”