PLANS to spruce up the ‘deteriorating’ exterior of an historic Peebles pub have been filed with the council.

The Cross Keys, on Northgate, is a category B listed building, originally built by Walter Williamson of Cardrona – whose initials are laid in slate on the roof – in the 1600s.

It underwent major restoration in 1994 after falling into disrepair and was then bought by JD Wetherspoon in 2014.

According to a report submitted to Scottish Borders Council, the outside of the pub is now in need of restoration work.

Timber around the windows has rotted, the original Scottish slate roofs have become brittle and there is evidence of water ingress at “numerous locations”.

The report added: “The proposal is to carry out remedial works to the exterior of the property. The aim is to re-use as much of the original Scottish slate as possible.

“This will be done by harvesting the slates which are still intact from the side and rear pitches and reinstating them onto the most prominent front-facing roof pitch (this is the pitch which faces the high street). The original pattern and initials laid out in slate will be reinstated in a like for like manner to respect the historical character of the building.

“Due to Scottish slate not having been produced in over fifty years, the proposal intends to use Welsh or Spanish slate when re-slating the less prominent side and rear roof pitches. We believe this is the best and most viable approach as Scottish slate has become extremely hard to come by and the main feature roof will still feature the original material.

“Replacement of ridge tiles which are not original and are beginning to lift away will be needed. This is in addition to new lead flashings as the existing ones have been compromised.

“The works also cover external decoration to re-paint the walls and sills which are cracking and peeling.”

The proposals will have a “minimal visual impact” on the character of the building, according to the report.