A HOTEL in the heart of the Borders has been sold to new owners.

The Waverley Castle Hotel near Melrose is now owned by the Leisureplex Hotel Group - which now operates 23 hotels around the UK.

The Waverley was formerly owned by Coast and Country Collection who contracted property specialists Christie and Co to market the hotel.

Emma Russell, managing director of Alfa Leisureplex Group, said, “We are delighted that the Waverley Castle Hotel is joining as our latest Leisureplex Hotel and we are looking forward to welcoming general manager James and the team to our employee-owned family."

The Waverley Castle Hotel sits in five acres of parkland just a mile from the centre of Melrose.

The hotel has 77 bedrooms with views of the Eildons and surrounding Borders countryside.

Gary Witham, director in Christie & Co’s Scottish Hospitality team, who acted for the seller, said: “We are delighted to report the sale of the Waverley Castle Hotel.

"The property is one of the 33 hotels positioned in leading resort and leisure destinations across England, Scotland, and Wales, that we are currently marketing on behalf of the Coast & Country Hotel Collection.

"The hotels have received very strong interest to date, and a limited number of these assets remain available, so we invite any interested parties to get in touch.”

The Waverley Castle Hotel becomes the third Scottish hotel to join the Leisureplex Hotel Group.

For more information on the Waverley Castle Hotel, or to book a stay, visit: Waverley Castle Hotel - Leisureplex Hotels