Plans to extend M&D’s Scotland Theme Park have been given the green light by North Lanarkshire Council.

The variation to M&D’s existing lease includes plans for an all-weather dome, additional events space, a new ride as well as the addition of 37 rooms to The Alona Hotel, including a spa and treatment room area.

Extensions to the north and east of the park will allow events areas to be created including an all-weather dome. The new facility could also attract planned large scale events such as car rallies, steam fairs and Highland Games.

Matthew Taylor, Director at M&D’s Scotland’s Theme Park, said: “We are delighted that our plans have been approved. Our vision to extend includes an investment of around £3million which will include upgrades to The Alona Hotel and further landscaping to ensure that our plans are in keeping with the surrounding Strathclyde Country Park.

“In recent years we have seen more and more visitors coming from Northern Ireland and the North of England and we are confident that our plans will attract visitors from even further afield.

“As one of Lanarkshire’s biggest employers, our plans would also include creating an additional 90 full and part time permanent jobs helping to boost the local economy even further. We hope to start work early next year.”