A BID to turn a 19th century Borders church into a “catalyst for creative culture” has been filed with the council.

St Aidan’s Church, in Morebattle, was built in around 1865 by architect Thomas Pilkington as a place of worship for the United Free Church of Scotland.

Since its last service in 1962, the building has been substantially altered and used for a variety of things, initially a bus garage.

Most recently the church has been used as a coffee shop run by volunteers.

Now a project has been launched to “restore the building’s important historical features” and convert it into an art studio, multi-functional creative event space and the owner’s private accommodation.

A report accompanying the application states: “Churches can often be difficult buildings to reinvent, but with the proposed reuse St Aidan’s can continue to serve the community and be a catalyst for creative culture.

“The proposal intends to give respect to the building’s origins by continuing, in a new way, its legacy as a place for celebration, learning and inspiration.

“The rehabilitation of this listed building will prolong its life by bringing it into productive use.”

It is hoped the project will bring new visitors to the village and help to cultivate artistic culture in the Borders.

The report adds: “The overall appearance of the building, particularly its north facade, must be enhanced.

“This can be achieved by reinstating missing and damaged features such as the bell tower, finials, and the rose and quarried windows.

“Alterations must be done with sensitivity to the building and its environment, and either for the purpose of enhanced thermal performance or to better serve the building’s new use.

“As well as reusing materials on-site, natural and eco-friendly materials will be employed wherever feasible.”

The building was added to the national Buildings at Risk Register in 1999 and was given category B status the following year.