Peeblesshire News | News | D-day for historic inn

Thursday, 4th December, 2008

Published: Tuesday, 29th January, 2008 15:30

D-day for historic inn

By David Knox

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NOT even the mighty pen of Rabbie Burns looks like it can save Scotland’s oldest pub.

Millions of Scots across the world will this weekend celebrate our national bard.

And next year many of them will return to their homeland to help commemorate the 250th anniversary of his birth.

But the remote Peeblesshire inn where he penned one of his most famous poems about Willie Wastle’s Wife is unlikely to be waiting to greet them.

Planners have recommended to Monday night’s Tweeddale Area Committee that the Crook Inn is allowed to be turned into flats.

Owner James Doonan was told to prove the pub business wasn’t viable, when he first submitted his planning application in 2006, by advertising it on the open market.

The Peeblesshire News revealed last week how locals around Tweedsmuir were hoping the findings of the District Valuer would prove to the council department that the owner had not realistically marketed the pub.

And prove that his inflated asking price of offers over £450,000 – almost £200,000 more than the independent valuation – hadn’t demonstrated it was no longer a viable business.

But planning chiefs have decided that the inn can still be turned into flats.

Local Christine Parker told the Peeblesshire News: “Somebody has forgotten to consult Historic Scotland in my opinion as this pub is a national treasure.

“It’s sad that this Friday is Burns Night and by Monday a piece of Burns history may have disappeared forever.”

As well Burns being a regular visitor at the old drovers’ inn, the Crook can also boast Sir Walter Scott and 39-steps author John Buchan amongst its past clientele.

Tweedsmuir Community Company was formed last year with a view to buying the inn under the government’s right-to-but scheme.

And they are expecting to hear back from Holyrood next month about their bid.

Duncan Davidson, chairman of the company, told us: “If the council gives the community a chance to have a shot at buying the place at a reasonable market value, as outlined by their own valuation report, then we could demonstrate economic viability – not just for Tweedsmuir, but for Scotland.

“It is amazing that the planning department, having requested that the inn be put on the market and then that it be evaluated as a precaution against false marketing, has neglected to consider its own research and findings.”

Crook owner James Doonan has remained quiet throughout the past 18 months.

But his agent Alec Pinkerton has disputed the District Valuer’s price of between £250,000 and £300,000.

He stated: “I note from the valuation report that it was done as a desk top exercise and that the valuer did not visit the site or indeed enter the property.”

The council’s planning department recommends to the six members of the area committee to grant approval for turning the listed building into four flats and a house.

Officer Barry Fotheringham said: “Even if permission were to be refused, it would not be possible to insist upon re-opening of the hotel or public house, as this would remain a decision for the owner.

“Against this background, and in order to protect the historical and architectural fabric of the building, it is considered that it would be more appropriate to put it back into use as a residential property, rather than left to deteriorate further.”

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