SPENDING a night in the jail might not be on anyone's bucket list but that may be about to change.

A former police station is being transformed into a boutique hotel.

Glasgow-based firm Fabulously Scottish Hotels and restaurant chain Di-Maggios has taken over the building in Fort William in Lochaber.

And the new owners plan to keep the existing six cells.

Planning permission has been granted for 26-seat restaurant at the top of the high street.

Signs are already up restricting access to the former car park, suggesting the project may soon be underway.

The new owners have not released any details about what they plan to do with the cells.

Local councillor Thomas MacLennan welcomed the investment in the town, which is overlooked by Ben Nevis.

He said: "This has been a stellar year for tourism and for the area itself. 

"People are also generally just happy that the site is going to be tidied up.

"The area has had a bit of a habit of leaving buildings idle and sites in disrepair so this is definitely a step in the right direction."

Plans have also been inveiled for the rainiest town in the north to get a giant 'umbrella.'

A huge canopy could be installed over the town's Cameron Square amid fears that regular downpours were damaging the tourist industry.

The Lochaber town hopes to be able to stage more undercover events in the heart of the community if the plans are passed by Highland Council.

The £95,000 project has triggered calls for a sheltered walkway across the entire length of the pedestrianised section of the historic High Street.