A FORMER Borders fire station is in the running to be crowned Scotland's home of the year.

The popular BBC Scotland TV series has selected nine regional winners and tonight is the grand final.

This year's search showcased a vast range of home styles including cosy little houses to grand conversions, stunning self-builds to breath-taking renovations.

The building's fire-fighting past can be seen in the arch opening for the horse-drawn firewagon and the hinge pins on the exterior wall.

Latterly, the building was reincarnated as a church mission hall.

When Sheena and John bought it six years ago, the building embraced another transformation having being empty for more than 15 years.

 

Presenter Anna Campbell-Jones said: “I’ve always wanted a house with a round window. It’s hard to imagine that this was once a fire station. I loved the round light in front of the round window. The view through the arch window is  so beautiful. The lovely stone wall and the river bubbling by. It’s really special.”

Michael Angus said: “I think this building, even from the outside was a bit of a conundrum. I couldn’t quite figure out what was going on. And even from the inside, Fire Station, Mission? But what I can attest to is that this is without question a beautiful home.”

Kate Spiers said: “I like that it’s a little bit open plan. It feels quite luxurious, a bit more boutique hotel. It’s so light and bright. The arch is so impressive with the exposed brick. It’s like a throwback to what the building would have been like at one point.”

The final will be broadcast on BBC1 Scotland at 8pm.