Owners Dunecht Estates believe the clifftop facility, which would include a cafe, shop and additional parking, could nearly double the historic attraction’s annual worth to the local economy.

The plans also include ten homes nearby, which the company said would be required to pay for the visitor centre.

Dunecht Estates and Fotheringham Homes have submitted a proposal of application notice with Aberdeenshire Council, kick-starting the first of two online public consultations, open for comment until November 24, before formal plans are finalised.

Revealing the plans, the two companies said consultants had estimated that their visitor centre would nearly double what the castle brings into the local economy, increasing visitor numbers, money spent and creating jobs. Experts at Biggar Economics said the gross value added (GVA) of Dunnottar would rise from £1.5m to £2.9m every year.

George Pearson from Dunecht Estates said: “To meet growing expectations and importantly enhance visitor experience, there has been a need for some time to build a dedicated facility.

“Whilst this new experience would address current issues, it would also provide a platform to increase visitor numbers, which importantly also provides additional footfall for other local businesses and Stonehaven.”