Glasgow's Grand Central Hotel – once the 'sleeping giant' of the city's hotel scene – marked its first anniversary with two new high-profile awards.

The 186-bedroom hotel, refurbished at a cost of £20 million, was awarded four-star accolades by the AA and VisitScotland.

General manager Laurie Nicol said: "This is such brilliant news. It is recognition of how far we have come in the last 12 months and is a fitting reward for everyone who has worked so hard here."

The venue was originally established, as the Central Hotel, in 1883 and went on to become one of the most famous hotels in Scotland.

Over the decades, it was visited by hundreds of celebrities, from the Beatles to Laurel and Hardy, from the Rolling Stones to Hollywood stars Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly, and US president John F Kennedy.

It also witnessed, in May 1927, the world's first long-distance television pictures being transmitted by John Logie Baird. The Grand Central won no fewer than 10 awards at the 2011 Scottish Hotel Awards, including Glasgow Hotel of The Year.

It has played host to 56,700 'sleeper guests', 87,000 'dining clients', plus various events, conferences and conventions.

Mrs Nicol said: "The hotel has been a key part of Scotland's hotel scene for generations. We've been overwhelmed by the success of the project so far and we really feel that we have reclaimed our place in the heart of Glaswegians, and visitors from around the world.

"Part of the reason we're doing so well is the amazing history of the hotel. It's a bit different to the other hotels, and I think that has given us an edge.

"It was a sleeping giant in Glasgow and was off the radar for some time, but no longer. The new four-star awards are proof of that."

A planned extension will increase the number of bedrooms to 244 by early 2012.

The Grand Central is compiling a book on its history, and Evening Times readers with memories, anecdotes or old menus are asked to contact Laurie on 0141 240 3700 or by email at laurie.nicol@principal-hayley.com