AN HISTORIC Edinburgh building is to be transformed into a Malmaison hotel, creating 50 new jobs.

York-based development company S Harrison has appointed Edinburgh based Sharkey as the principal contractor to transform Buchan House into the latest boutique hotel for Malmaison Hotel du Vin Group.

Grade A listed Buchan House is located in a prime position on St Andrew Square in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town.

The work will transform it into a 72 bedroom Malmaison hotel complete with Chez Mal Bar and Brasserie.

When the 72-bedroom hotel opens in 2019, it will be the second Malmaison in the city and will create approximately 50 new jobs.

The building’s unique Georgian features will be restored in the development.

S Harrison’s development director, David Clancy, said: “We’re delighted that work is underway to restore this historic building and give it a new lease of life as an exceptional hotel in a highly sought after location.”