TWEEDSMUIR Community Company (TCC) has been awarded £9,072 from the Infinis Glenkerie Community Fund to remove asbestos from the Crook Inn, which is vital before renovation works to one of Scotland’s oldest inns can start.

It is the second grant to be awarded to the group towards this project from the community Fund. TCC received £4,650 in July to pay for a survey of the land and buildings which the community owns at the site.

TCC purchased the 400-year-old Crook Inn in 2013 and aims to reopen it as a community hub in the heart of the village for visitors and locals to enjoy once again.

Duncan Davidson, Chair of Tweedsmuir Community Company said: “We are delighted to receive this grant for vital preparatory work in the renovation of the Crook Inn. It will, together with the earlier grant, enable the redesign by architects and their team of consultants to create an exciting and sustainable community hub in Upper Tweed.” Launched in January this year, the Infinis Glenkerie community benefit fund supports community groups and small charities in the Upper Tweed area. A funding pot of at least £57,200 per year (rising in line with inflation) will be available for the operating life of the Glenkerie Wind Farm, expected to be 25 years. The fund has been provided by Infinis, developer and operator of the wind farm.

Decisions on grant awards are made by the Infinis Glenkerie Community Fund Panel, whose membership is drawn from the Upper Tweed Community Council and wider community. Foundation Scotland has been appointed by Infinis to administer the Community Fund.

Chris Lewin, Chair of the Fund panel said: “We are pleased to fund this essential work, which is an important step towards placing the Crook Inn at the centre of community life once again.” The next deadline for applications is Monday. Forms are available at www.foundationscotland.org.uk/glenkerie.