A COMMUNITY consultation about the future of the Chambers Institution will take place in Peebles next month.

Scottish Borders Council is working with the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust to consult the local community of Peebles and Tweeddale about the future vision for the building, and this event is the first stage of the process.

The event will take the form of an open day, with displays about the history and current uses of the building and the opportunity for members of the public to look around and reflect on what it currently offers and consider its potential and share their views.

Councillor Willie Archibald, Chairman of the Chambers Institution Trust said: “The open day is a fantastic opportunity for the local community to look around the historic Chambers Institution and think about what it could be used for and how it could be improved.

“The Chambers Institution is a much loved building in the heart of Peebles and we have to review how the building serves the people and put in place any changes and upgrades identified after a full consultation and the input of the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust.

“Old, listed buildings have to be adapted with sensitivity but nevertheless change to meet the demands of the 21st century, and I hope that the local community will fully engage with the consultation process, starting with this event next month.”

The Chambers Institution was established by William Chambers, one of the founders of the famous publishing house, in 1859.

It houses a museum and gallery and The Chambers Room houses the extraordinary plasterwork friezes commissioned by William Chambers and exhibitions on the history of Peebles and the surrounding area.

The Scottish Historic Buildings Trust is a charity that saves threatened historic buildings and adapts them for sympathetic, viable new uses in support of local communities.

The event takes place from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, October 3, at the Chambers Institution.