"MAJOR" refurbishment at a Peebles hotel is set to result in a jobs boost if plans are approved.

The Tontine Hotel, which dates back to the early 19th century, has filed an application with Scottish Borders Council.

The Beltane bar would return and a "stunning underground cocktail bar" would be created under the plans.

And the revamp is expected to create 12 jobs.

A spokesperson for the hotel said: “We have been listening to our local patrons and are making some changes in-line with what we have heard.

“Planning permission has been sought for some major refurbishment to our beautiful Tontine Hotel. We are re-instating the Beltane bar which we hope will bring the historic elements of the hotel back to life and into the 21st century.

“Also in the plan, we have a new ladies’ powder room on the ground floor, taking away the climb to the first floor and making it much more accessible for all our ladies. The ground floor will also go through some refurbishment.

“Downstairs, we are revamping the current Buchan Room and extending it to include a stunning underground cocktail bar which could be available for private parties as well as public use.

“The full revamp will create 12 new jobs in the community. We hope that these changes will be welcomed by our local friends.”

The Tontine Hotel is the only building on Peebles High Street which is set back from the road, forming a small open square to the front of the building.

The building takes its name from the way in which it was funded; the tontine principle, and it is thought that Napoleonic prisoners of war may have helped to build the hotel.