Work to the outside of a Gatehouse hotel has fallen foul of red tape.
Duncan and Vicki McConchie, who own the Laggan wedding and function venue on the outskirts of the town, bought the Murray Arms late last year.
They announced plans to restyle it into 14 rooms, with Mrs McConchie redesigning the interior as part of an extensive refurbishment.
However, their bid to replace the roof of the building has fallen foul of planners.
The hotel is category B-listed, meaning listed building consent is required for certain kinds of work to be carried out.
Mr McConchie, who is a board member of South of Scotland Enterprise, said: “We have an architect who is working with the council to get that consent.”
A council spokesman confirmed: “The planning enforcement team have written to the owner and advised that listed building consent and planning permission is required for the re-roofing of the property and advised him to cease work until he has the relevant consents.
“Building standards have also contacted the owner regarding the internal works he is currently undertaking.
“Repairs do not require either a grant of planning permission or listed building consent. Internal alterations do not require a grant of planning permission.
“Listed building consent for internal alterations is only required where the works are considered to be affecting the character of the listed building i.e. removal of important original features.”
The Murray Arms was built in the 18th century and is believed to be where Robert Burns drafted the first version of Scots Wha Hae.
It was owned by Jim and Helen Stewart for 11 years before being acquired by Laggan last year, having been advertised for sale with a guide price of £595,000.
South of Scotland Enterprise said the project “aims to secure a historic building that is in urgent need of significant investment, and is expected to create 15 additional jobs”.
