The hotel has been trading in the West Lothian town for more than 250 years. In 2010 it was devastated by a fire and was derelict for more than two years, before local businessmen Ross Wilkie and David Kennedy restored the building and The Star & Garter reopened its doors in 2013.

The Manorview Hotel & Leisure Group has bought the three-storey Georgian mansion which features five bedrooms, a bar, restaurant, function room, coffee shop and courtyard.

The hotel's staff of 45 will be kept on, and manor view is planning a six-figure refurbishment to the bar and restaurant in Spring 2017.

The Manorview Group was founded by Steve Graham in 2007. His niece Fallon Cowley, group operations director, said: "This is an exciting acquisition for us. The Star & Garter occupies an excellent central location in the historical town of Linlithgow and has a fascinating background. It's a much-loved hub of the town and we're looking forward to becoming part of the community."