Inverness builder Rok has been awarded a contract by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) for a £3m refurbishment of historic Raasay House where diarist James Boswell and essayist Samuel Johnson stayed during their celebrated "Tour of the Hebrides" in 1773.

The house was formerly the seat of the Macleods of Raasay, replacing the one that was burnt down by Hanoverian troops in the aftermath of Culloden. It was owned by HIE, and taken over by the community of Raasay last year in order that it could benefit from the income generated from current and future tenants.

The Grade A' listed building has been an outdoor activity centre for 23 years, and is to get new bathrooms, more bedrooms, upgraded IT facilities, new conference rooms, a bar and central heating. In addition, a stand-alone unit is to be created for all outdoor equipment with changing and shower facilities.

Thom Macleod, construction director for Rok at Inverness, said: "It is an extremely interesting project for us. Some rooms have been stripped back to the original bare stonework while in other areas we have to be very sensitive to all the historic finishes and features.

"It is challenging to refurbish a Grade A' listed building in this way. When we complete it and hand it over for the opening next spring, Raasay House will be a year-round operation.

"That will coincide with the opening of the new ferry terminal and give Raasay a major economic and social boost."

In the 1960s, Raasay House and other properties were acquired by Sussex- based Dr John Green who earned the nickname "Dr No" for obstructing most local initiatives, including the introduction of the first car ferry.

Green only set foot on the island twice, and sold his Raasay properties to the Highlands and Islands Development Board in 1979 for £135,000, many times what he had paid. Macleod said: "We look forward to transforming Raasay House without losing the original character of such a historic property, enabling many more people to visit and enjoy the island."