The under-threat Scotsman Hotel in Edinburgh city centre has been bought by leisure firm G1 Group.

The five-star accommodation on North Bridge, which was owned by Saudi businessman Sheikh Mohamed Bin Issa Al Jaber, went into liquidation in June last year.

JLL Hotels and Hospitality Group and CBRE Hotels were appointed to sell the business after Eileen Blackburn, of French Duncan, took over as liquidator.

The 69-bedroom property, which is the former home of the Scotsman newspaper, has been operating as a hotel since 2001.

G1 Group, which is owned by businessman Stefan King, said 90 employees working at the hotel would be transferred as part of the deal.

Brian McGhee, chairman at G1 Group, said "Buying anything out of liquidation is a difficult process for all concerned and we cannot commend Eileen Blackburn and David McGinness of French Duncan enough for their professionalism throughout, in their ability through their rapport with the hotel team to retain a significant amount of goodwill from both patrons and staff members, at a very difficult time for both."

G1 Group operates restaurants, nightclubs, bars and hotels across Scotland, including the Corinthian Club and Arta in Glasgow and the Inn on the Mile Hotel in Edinburgh.