Submitted on behalf of the National Trust for Scotland, the practice wants to create a ‘Garden of Playfulness’ as part of a £2.8 million investment in the castle.

The castle, near Forres in Morayshire, was the ancestral home of the Brodie family until Ninian, 25th Brodie of Brodie, negotiated the takeover of the estate by the National Trust for Scotland in 1980.

Hoskins Architects have collaborated with landscape architects erz to create a landscaped space for exploration and adventure within Brodie’s walled garden, based on themes of family and play.

To realise the National Trust for Scotland’s ambitions, the garden will be supported by a Visitor Pavilion, which will also act as the main entrance to the Garden of Playfulness. This will act as a gateway to the estate for visitors, and provide retail, catering and indoor play spaces.

The design is intended for year-round use, and to support special events or exhibitions as necessary.

If planning permission is granted, work will commence to ensure the new features are open to the public next year.

The National Trust for Scotland’s chief executive, Simon Skinner, said: “We are creating nothing less than one of Scotland’s most significant heritage attractions in the heart of Morayshire. We expect Brodie Castle and its Garden of Playfulness to be a great boost for the local economy, attracting many more visitors and offering the regional community a wonderful place to enjoy on their doorstep.”