GO-AHEAD has been given for security cameras to be installed at an historic Borders estate following a ‘shocking act of vandalism’.

On advice from Police Scotland following a vandal attack, three CCTV cameras were placed around the stable block at the Category A-Listed Glen House in the parish of Traquair.

But the cameras were installed without planning permission and now a retrospective application has been approved by Scottish Borders Council.

That was agreed despite an objection raised by a resident living in the grooms quarters, which forms part of the stable block.

He said: “I object to the invasion of my privacy presented by camera one on the application as it covers my back door, outdoor seating area, parking space and rear entrance to the courtyard.

“Also the fact it was illegally covertly installed and hidden behind louvred shutters and has audio capacity is very disturbing and totally unacceptable under data protection law.”

The objector said there had been only one act of vandalism since he moved to the Glen 30 years ago and “none of the residents or staff feel under threat”.

A submission from the applicant said: “Following a shocking act of vandalism, we acted following urgent Police Scotland advice to install CCTV cameras to prevent crime and protect buildings and assets from damage, disruption, vandalism and other crime for the personal safety of staff, visitors and other members of the public.

“This is the minimum number needed to cover three main points of public entry into the private Glen House and Stable courtyards. The equipment used is small, sensitively mounted within the frames of the dormer widows and the installation is reversible.”

The building is category A listed and deemed of “special architectural and historic merit” and an “outstanding example of mid and late 19th stable range” from David Bryce, with further alterations by Robert Lorimer in 1905.

A report from the council’s heritage officer said: “It is understood the cameras are required for security reasons, and the number installed is the minimum required to give sufficient coverage.

“The camera to the louvred opening has been installed such that it is not visible from the exterior of the building.

“The other two cameras have some impact on the historic integrity and external appearance of the property. They have however been designed and located relatively discreetly and the change is reversible.”