CAMPAIGNERS in rural Tweedsmuir have snapped up land surrounding the historic Crook Inn.

The Tweedsmuir Community Company (TCC) was formed eight years ago to fight plans by a property developer to turn the 400-year-old roadside inn into flats.

After a six year campaign the group purchased the Crook and some of its grounds for £160,000.

But the developer retained a 1.5 acre chunk of the estate and secured planning permission to build up to six houses.

While developing its original plans for the Crook Inn, the Tweedsmuir Community Group has also raised more funds to secure the contentious building plots.

A spokesman said: “We are delighted to announce that we have secured all of the remaining landholding at the former Crook Inn site in Tweedsmuir.

“With significant funding assistance from the Scottish Land Fund as well as support from two local wind farms, the Clyde Borders Community Fund and Infinis Glenkerie Community Fund, the TCC has today managed to buy all of the original landholding.” Planning applications for the first phase of work on the Crook Inn have been submitted with Scottish Borders Council.

The campaigners want to turn the former coaching inn into a community hub.

As well as renovating the main building they have also sought permission to create a campsite on adjacent land as well as erect a biomass boiler room.

The spokesman added: “The TCC is anticipating a positive response from Scottish Borders Council planning department to its current planning application, which will see the former Crook Inn redeveloped and expanded as a multi-use Community Hub project.

“Subject to planning permission, the TCC will submit a comprehensive bid to The Big Lottery in September, under its Growing Community Assets programme, for significant funding towards the cost of the project, which it is hoped will start on site in 2016.” The the additional land allows TCC to expand the services which they will offer at the site for tourists and locals.