Council bosses have bought burnt out Belleisle Hotel back for £154,000.

Now it is understood a new developer may sweep in to rescue the parkland mansion and turn it into a working hotel at last.

Businessman John Campbell purchased the Ayr landmark back in 2012 with the aim of turning it into a five-star venue - but the transformation failed to materialise.

And Mr Campbell accidentally set fire to it last year while carrying out work on the roof alongside two others.

South Ayrshire Council now want the roofless ruin to be brought back to life at last.

Friends of Belleisle chair Norman McLean is thrilled that the historic building is back in the ownership of the council.

He said: “Now we have to restore Belleisle to its former glory with a 21st century interpretation.”

It is believed buyers are interested and have not been deterred by the dramatic fire.

The blaze wiped out jewels inside including the grand fireplace.

A council spokesman said: “”We have now successfully bought back the Belleisle Hotel building from private ownership after a lengthy legal process.

“The price paid was £154,000 which was the amount due after taking into account the emergency works the council undertook after the fire at the property.”

He added: “We will move quickly to undertake a full survey of the property now that we have ownership to ascertain the condition of the building. We will also consider options with a view to redeveloping the property.

“The successful redevelopment of the building will remove a blight on Belleisle and will be the final piece in a series of major projects including the new golf clubhouse and stables buildings, the restored conservatory and new play park.

“The re-acquisition of Belleisle is a significant milestone and allows us to complete the regeneration and provide a park for us all to be proud of.”

Ayr Burgh Council purchased Belleisle Estate for the sum of £25,000 in 1926 to develop it as a park, with two golf courses.

The Scottish Baronial mansion is branded at risk and was originally built around 1787 with additions later.