Assurances sought over former mill mountain bike centre

The mountain bike centre would bring an old mill back into use

Assurances have been sought over the fate of a project to convert an old mill in the Borders into a mountain bike innovation centre.

The multi-million pound scheme would see the conversion of the Caerlee Mill in Innerleithen which dates back to 1788.

However, Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale MP David Mundell said there had been a suggestion it would not now take place at that location.

Kirsty McNeill, Under Secretary of State in the Scotland Office, said her officials were working with all the groups involved to progress the project.

Plans were approved last year for the conversion of what was the first water-powered textile mill in the Borders.

It was backed by the Borderlands Growth Deal - supported by both the UK and Scottish governments.

South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) hopes the development could create more than 400 jobs for the area in coming years.

However, Mr Mundell told Scottish questions at Westminster that some doubts had been raised over whether it would proceed at the old mill site.

"There has been a suggestion that the project will not now go ahead in that location," he said.

"It is vital that we have that centre and it is vital that the mill is refurbished."

Ms McNeill said the UK government had committed £19m to the scheme.

"My officials are working closely with all local partners - including Scottish Borders Council - to progress the project," she said.

"I expect an update on the development of the project shortly."