AN HISTORIC site in the Borders has been bought by an Edinburgh-based property developer.

March Street Mill, Peebles, had been owned by Ayr-based Moorbrook Textiles Limited – part of Stockholm firm Lindengruppen – who placed the site, including allotments on the market.

Now the historic former mill site, which dates from around 1884, has been sold to Edinburgh-based developer Whiteburn.

Managing Director, Eve McCurrich said: “March Street is a fantastic location, a short walk from the High Street and amenities of the town, it is a true 20-minute neighbourhood. We look forward to engaging with all key stakeholders

as we develop our proposals to create a vibrant and beautiful place.”

Whiteburn recently won the 2022 Place Making Award from Scottish Borders Council for their Caerlee Mill, Innerleithen development.

During the period that March Street Mill had been for sale, gardeners who use the allotments had campaigned for a buyer to come and purchase the site to allow them to raise funds to bring the old mill into community ownership.

Scott Rae, chairman of the Peebles Community Trust, previously told this newspaper: “We are looking for someone who has the means to buy the site and allow us the time to raise the funds to carry out due diligence to bring part of the site into community ownership.

“Failing that, we want to talk to potential buyers or the successful buyer to persuade them to do the best for Peebles in terms of much-needed supported care accommodation, some economic activities and social housing.

“All we want to do is to ensure that March Street Mill, which has been the heart of the economic life of Peebles for so long, continues to play a significant role in the town. Without jobs, Peebles is just a dormitory town for many people.”

Moorbrook Textiles had stopped production at the mill in 2015 following a period of losses.

Ian Laird of Moorbrook commented: “We are delighted that Whiteburn has become new owners of March Street.

"We have been impressed with what they have done in the past and we are confident that their plans will consider the breadth of local interests and needs.”

John Shepherd, CEO of Whiteburn, added: “It is great news that Whiteburn has purchased March Street. Our business ethos is rooted in regeneration and the creation of sustainable places which enhance their local community. Our

team has expertise and skill to create a sensitive redevelopment and I look forward to future generations being able to live and work in March Street.”

Whiteburn is a member of the Considerate Constructor Scheme and is committed to engaging with the local community and stakeholders at its developments.

For more information visit www.whiteburn.co.uk.