The owners of Loudoun Castle estate in Ayrshire are in talks with a major developer over a £450 million leisure, tourism and residential development for south west Scotland.

The Loudoun Woods consortium wants to transform the 576-acre estate into a world-class complex with the A-listed castle - which dates back to the 12th century - at its centre.

The group headed by David Mace is in discussions with Harcourt Developments, the team behind Belfast's Titanic Quarter, about taking a major role in the resort which could create more than 1,000 jobs in the region.

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The site housed Loudoun Castle theme park which closed in 2010.

Mr Mace said: "Loudoun Castle will be an all-weather, world-class holiday destination, which will attract visitors from all over the UK, create major economic benefits for Ayrshire and become a core part of Scotland's tourism offering.

"The fact that Harcourt is considering becoming part of the Loudoun Woods consortium and making a significant investment in Scotland speaks volumes for the quality and international scope of what we are planning.

"We are looking forward to the planning inquiry and, given a positive decision by Scottish Ministers, we are aiming to begin works in the summer of 2018 on a project that will transform the economy of this part of Scotland."

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The planning application, which seeks permission for the castle's potential conversion to a luxury hotel, has been called in by Scottish Ministers and an inquiry will begin next week.

Harcourt has indicated that, subject to a contract being put in place, the grant of planning permission in principle would allow the estate to become its next flagship project.

Paul Manning of Harcourt said: "We are engaged in very positive discussions and hope to be able to conclude an agreement to join the Loudoun Woods consortium.

"The site's historic setting, great transport links and proximity to some of the world's most famous golf courses gives it massive potential to become one of the UK's most successful tourism destinations."

"If Scottish Ministers grant permission for the development in principle, it is hoped that stabilisation work on the castle could begin as early as summer of 2018."