Historic villa to be brought back into use after 17 years

Plans have been submitted to save and restore a historic Borders house on the banks of the River Tweed.

Developer Fortis Homes acquired Gattonside House near Melrose last year and said it was looking to "sensitively restore" the building.

The country house has been empty for 17 years and surveys show significant deterioration, including wet and dry rot and the collapse of much of its internal structure.

The company wants to convert the house into 14 flats, restore two listed buildings and build 34 new homes, including 12 affordable properties.

Gattonside House is a category B-listed building which was built between 1808 and 1811.

The house was occupied for much of the 20th century by the Brothers of Charity, operating as St Aidan's Care Home.

However, it has been unoccupied since at least 2009 and the condition of the house and a number of other buildings has deteriorated significantly.

Now plans have been lodged to create dozens of new homes along with a café and padel courts.

Fortis Homes said the development would provide a financially-viable way to save the historic building.

Managing director Doug Innes said: "We have engaged openly and positively with the community and elected members throughout the last nine months, and we have changed the proposals, where possible, in response to what we heard.

"We've been encouraged by the level of local engagement and a general sense that the community welcomes the opportunity to see a long-neglected site generated and Gattonside House safeguarded.

"We now hope for a proactive and timely determination so work on Gattonside House can start to halt the deterioration.

"We look forward to working with Scottish Borders Council as it considers the application."