And finally… inn with the new

The historic inn, licensed in 1604 and once frequented by Robert Burns, closed in 2006 but has been undergoing a community-led revival since 2012.

The new bunkhouse, developed by the Tweedsmuir Community Company, will sleep 20 guests and open in autumn 2026. It’s part of a broader masterplan to restore the site as a hub for locals and visitors, including walkers and cyclists exploring the nearby River Tweed Trail.

Located beside the Wee Crook Café, the eco-friendly building will feature five upstairs bedrooms, an accessible ground-floor room, and a communal kitchen and social space. It joins a growing list of redevelopments, including visitor pods and a community garden.

Funded by local and national partners, the project supports tourism, employment, and heritage preservation in the Scottish Borders.