Sir Walter Scott's home plans submitted

Plans have been submitted to turn the house into a major tourist attraction

Plans to turn Sir Walter Scott's former home into a tourist venue have been submitted to Scottish Borders Council.

Full funding for the £10m project at Abbotsford House near Melrose has yet to be secured.

The running total stands at more than £4m - including money from the council, heritage and enterprise bodies as well as the Scottish government.

However, a decision from the Heritage Lottery Fund on a £4.5m bid is not due until July.

The Abbotsford Trust wants to refurbish parts of the house and build a new visitor centre with cafe and shop, a large car park and woodland play facilities for children.