TRANSPARENT “igloos” form part of an Aberdeen hotel’s plans to use its outdoor areas for dining as it adapts to a world of social-distancing amid the coronavirus crisis.

The Chester Hotel also plans a 20-metre, open-sided marquee as it looks to the future.

It highlighted its plans to offer alfresco dining as soon as reopening of open-air spaces to serve food and drink is permitted by the Scottish Government.

The hotel, owned by Graham Wood, proposes to erect a 20-metre open-sided marquee with a transparent roof over the car park area in front of 55 to 57 Queen's Road, subject to planning permission.

It says this would “complement the existing covered outdoor seating area”. This marquee space, along with the canopied patio, will give, with appropriate social-distancing, space for around 100 guests.

In addition, two “Eden Project-style” transparent domes are planned. These vented “igloos”, which give a 360-degree view, will be constructed at the front of the hotel.

The hotel noted that customers would be able to pre book these conservatory-style structures for small groups of up to eight to meet and dine in.