THE newly refurbished Innerleithen Memorial Hall was unveiled for all to see on Friday at the town's Appointment Night.

Scottish Borders Council has recently splashed out £19,000 on redecorating the main hall as well as creating office space on the first floor.

The hall, which is managed by local charity Live Borders, is now open and ready for bookings from individuals and groups.

Some of the office space has already been rented to local businesses and there is potential for further office rentals.

Keith Belleville, chair of the Memorial Hall Support Group is delighted with the refurbishment work.

He said: "I’m absolutely delighted with the refurbishment of the hall.

"The redecoration of the main hall has provided a very welcome improvement to this excellent community facility and we hope that this will encourage even more use of the hall.

“We are extremely grateful for this investment which is testament to the real working partnership that exists between our user-group, Live Borders and Scottish Borders Council."

Olly Robertson, area manager for Live Borders believes the office rentals will secure a long-term future for the Memorial Hall.

He said: "The positive partnership-working has been a key driver in the investment within the Memorial Hall. We are grateful to our partners at Scottish Borders Council for their continued investment in this iconic community venue. Having a number of key partners who are passionate about the venue and its standing within the community has seen a collaborative approach in refurbishing the facility.

“The refurbishment has allowed for innovation with a number of office spaces on the first floor rented to local business owners.

"This demonstrates sustainability for the venue and, along with the hall, an opportunity for the local community to engage with the venue and each other in a bid to become healthier, happier and stronger.”

To enquire about booking the hall or renting office space, contact Olly Robertson on 01896 661166.