ANOTHER giant step towards the renaissance of a historic country hostelry has been taken.

The architects at the centre of the exciting project for the Crook Inn at Tweedsmuir attended a workshop in the village hall.

And the helpful feedback they received from the community has left them almost ready to apply for planning permission for the re-development of one of Scotland’s oldest pubs.

“This was the third and final workshop we have held and it was most successful,” said Duncan Davidson, the chairman of the Tweedsmuir Community Company.

“Our plans keep evolving but it’s all looking good now and the next stage will be for the architects to go to the council with the planning applications, probably in late February or early March.” During the workshop the design team from Edinburgh-based WT Architecture addressed some of the concerns, including funding, management and heating.

“The architects have done a great job,” said Dr Davidson. “It’s very impressive the way they’ve listened to what the community has said and have modified the plans in response.” The project is for a multi-purpose development that builds on the 400-year history and the listed art deco features of the inn to create a stylish modern conversion.

“It has to be sustainable and there will be a bistro, bar, hotel rooms, meeting rooms, a games area, a community space and shop to cater for the passing tourist trade,” said Dr Davidson.

“We are making progress but there is still a long way to go and it’s difficult to put a time frame on it. It could be another two years before we are ready to open.

“We have had tremendous help in our project from the nearby towns of Peebles, Biggar, Moffat and Lanark and our aim is that the Crook Inn will serve the Upper Tweed community and wider tourism.

“The biggest challenge that lies ahead for us is going to be the funding and we need to establish robust business plans.

“But we need planning approval first before we can apply for funding help from the Big Lottery.”