A former soldier plans to transform a popular Highland hotel into a space for veterans in need of a break.

Tony Brown, who owns The Ossian at Kincraig in the Cairngorms Parks, wants to give the property a dramatic makeover in order to give back to those who supported him in the Army and gave him a purpose.

For Tony, the army played a huge part of his life. Abandoned as a seven-month-old baby, he had a miserable childhood in a London care home.

"When you're in a children's home, many of you believe that you're on the streets," he said.

"And when you're joining the Army, why would the Army want you - because you're a kid in care.

"You automatically think they're looking down on you. But they didn't."

At the age of 16, he applied to join the Army. But having already left the children's home, he had no fixed address

Tony gave the address of the Ossian, the Kincraig hotel where he had spent some of his school holidays.

Its owners at the time, John and Marion Ramage, who had both served during the second world war were keen to help.

Tony explained: "[Marion] said 'Tony, you can come here and this can be your leave address whenever you need'. And it's that. Someone gave me that chance - and this building and this address,

"I was given a postcode and being able to give that postcode to someone else who might get a chance, that's what's driven us. That's what really inspires me with this."

Their kindness helped Tony forge a successful career in the army, serving with the Royal Corps of Transport in Northern Ireland, Germany, Turkey and Asia.

Now an instructor with the cadets in Aviemore, he is also now the owner of the vacant hotel of the family who gave him refuge.

Hi plans to transform it into a respite facility, codenamed Forces Manor, promises luxury for those who make use of it's services.

"Serving soldiers, veterans, their families, cadets as well, can come and use this facility for accommodation, stay for a holiday, come for training, for exercises together," Tony explains.

"It can be a mini reunion but in a likewise environment, somewhere you know those around you have the military ethos."

Small fees for using the accommodation will be reinvested in a not-for-profit operation.

It'll feature self-catering accommodation, a gym, hot-tub, garden lounge and conference facility.

An online funding campaign is under way to help pay for the development of the building in order to upgrade it, which is thought to cost £450,000.

Having spoken to senior officers in the army, Tony is delighted that they have given Forces Major their blessing.

Tony explained: "I was down in Aldershot sitting round a table with a major general, two brigadiers, a full colonel and a major. It was unheard of. Normally, I'd be sitting down behind them, serving the tea. Straight away, all of them said 'we think this is fantastic'."

Lt Col Bob Towns, Nairn branch president of Royal British Legion Scotland added: "I think it's a tremendous idea. It's positioned in a really good area. It'll be a really good facility for veterans, those still serving, and those who've left the services and their families.

"I hope all the organisations involved make use of this magnificent facility."