The £13 million proposal, submitted to Highland Council last week, would create over 100 local jobs, with Robertson keen to recruit a variety of skills for this development project, thought to be one of the most complex in the city’s recent history.

The proposal for Gleann Mor House was submitted just days after another Robertson Homes application to build 50 new homes at Westercraigs. If approved, work will start on both projects, which together amount to an investment of £20m, next year, with first occupation due in 2017.

John Murphy, managing director of Robertson Homes, said: “We are really pleased to submit these proposals. Built in 1864 Gleann Mor House is an historic building that was badly damaged by fire in 2007.

“The luxury homes in Gleann Mor House, with an abundance of bay windows, turrets and a raft of unique features, will offer something new in the Inverness market and will complement the modern, spacious family homes we hope to build in and around Ruihard House.

“We expect significant demand, particularly as we near completion of the West Link Road, dramatically improving road connectivity to the area.”

The first phase of the restoration of Gleann Mor House, 12 luxury apartments, was completed in 2011. Robertson Homes has since reconfigured its plans to replace many apartments with townhouses, maximising open space and landscaped gardens.

Mr Murphy added: “Our plans are to create a sustainable semi-rural community at Westercraigs, including play facilities, green space and community facilities. We are also moving forward with plans to upgrade the link road to the A82.”