Campaigners were delighted yesterday after they succeeded in preventing one of Scotland's most historic pub's to be converted into housing.

The owner of the Crook Inn in Tweedsmuir, James Doonan, planned to turn the building into four apartments and a house, however members of the Tweeddale Area Committee unanimously voted against the proposal and sided with 155 objectors.


Mr Doonan has the right to appeal against the decision.

Graham Gardiner, Chairman of the Tweeddale Area Planning Community, said the inn, which is more than 400 years old, is one of the most historic in Scotland. It is believed the Tweedsmuir Community Council hopes to buy the building and reopen it as a pub.

(CD/JM)