Plans for the first five-star hotel in the Scottish borders, in West Linton, Peniculk, have been submitted by property agency Knight Frank on behalf of UK-based developer Manor Kingdom Estates.

The proposed development, being considered by the Scottish Border Council, will cost around £50m and will be built near the Rutherford Castle Golf Club, a par 72 championship course.

To be called Rutherford Castle Hotel, the 150-bedroom property will be operated by De Vere and built on 18 acres of landscaped ground.

It will feature a spa and leisure club, cafes, a 'whiskey lounge', a ballroom and conference facilities, all of which will be available to the public as well as hotel residents.

Mark Cummings, a spokesperson for Manor Kingdom Estates, said: "We believe our hotel will represent what the Scottish Borders aspire to offer its locals and visitors, over and above the mainstream available in Central Scotland and as such we hope that our plans will be welcomed by the local community and the council."

If planning consent is granted the development is planned to begin late 2008.