The individuals who successfully introduced bungee jumping to Scotland are bidding to bring a touch of the Alps to Perthshire by returning one of Scotland's most unique hotel buildings to its original glory.

The Log Cabin Hotel at Kirkmichael, modeled on a Scandinavian ski chalet, created a stir in Scotland when constructed by a Norwegian company in 1967 to cater for the burgeoning skiing fraternity at Glenshee, 7 miles away.  Opened aptly as The Edelweiss, the 13 bedroom hotel in the mountains, made entirely from Norwegian pine, became a fashionable destination for skiers at a boom time for Scottish winter sports.  Now John and Kate Mason-Strang, the couple behind Ballinluig adventure company Nae Limits and Highland Fling Bungee, have secured the lease from its Malaysian-based owners.

As well as transforming the hotel into a relaxing haven for outdoor enthusiasts, they plan to re-awaken its old ski roots and bring a touch of Scandinavia to the scenic village. 

"The original concept was based around the Scandinavian ski chalet idea and there was nothing else like it in Scotland. It has had a fascinating and colourful past," said Kate Mason-Strang.

The building itself is very unique with some stunning features like a Viking long-boat carved into wood in the main lounge, as well as turf roofs. People who knew it, loved it. Someone described it recently as like walking into a Cinzano advert.

"What we are looking to do is to bring some of that back and put the place on the map again. We want to be faithful to its ski origins but make it a place where all families who love the outdoors and adventure can come and feel part of it."

For John Mason-Strang, the project brings him full circle.  He remembers the building fondly when working as a ski instructor on the slopes of Glenshee Ski Centre and recalls harbouring an early ambition to run the hotel.  "This place has so much character. In the days when we had super reliable snow in Scotland and the ski industry was thriving, this place used to be the place to hang out. It was very busy because Glenshee didn't have any of that resort-style accommodation. We used to populate the place all the time and I can remember thinking it would be great to run it because it was like having a piece of the Alps in Scotland".

"Since we've taken over, we've had people, even in their sixties, saying they remember the place and saying it is wonderful it is back again. We want to revive elements of that original feel but, as we have a lot of experience in European ski destinations, we want to develop it and inject new life into the place. Basically, we want others to feel as excited about it as we are."

The couple had a 'soft' opening recently but are now full steam ahead, with bookings for over the winter and into 2012.  Deep comfort seating has been introduced into the main bar area, with lounging sofas around the central log fire and plasma screens for sport. The 'shabby chic' design ethos is intended to create a hub for families to enjoy good food and drink in comfort after a day on the slopes, hills or rivers.

A vast range of adventure sports will be available through the hotel, which sleeps 37.  And with Perth and Kinross Council investing a five figure sum on the 63 mile Cateran Trail walk nearby, having a new accommodation option for ramblers will boost the area.

"The place will appeal to lots of people and families who enjoy adventure and getting outdoors in the stunning scenery all around here," said Kate. "We have spent a lot of time getting the 'feel' of the place right. "We see it as like Perthshire's equivalent of the Drovers Inn or the Clachaig Inn in Glencoe."

The hotel sits perched in the glen above Kirkmichael village and the landscape is renowned for its red deer, wildlife and unspoilt scenery.