Demolition bid lodged for historic industrial site

Caerlee Mill is understood to be one of the earliest industrial buildings built in Scotland

Permission is being sought for the demolition of one of the oldest industrial buildings in Scotland.

It was hoped that Caerlee Mill at Innerleithen in the Borders could be converted into a mountain bike innovation centre.

However, surveys last year found that the building - which dates back to 1788 - had severe structural issues.

In the face of rising costs, South of Scotland Enteprise (SOSE) concluded that demolition and replacement of the B-listed mill was the best way forward and an application to take it down has now been lodged.

Planning and design statements for the demolition say the building is understood to be one of the earliest industrial buildings to be constructed in Scotland.

A number of buildings were added throughout its life but it ceased to operate in 2011, with the site vacant ever since.

The mountain bike centre - being delivered by SOSE with support from Scottish Borders Council and Napier University - is a flagship Borderlands Growth Deal project.

It is hoped it can create hundreds of jobs for the region over the next 10 years.

It was initially thought the old building could be converted but a design statement highlighted the cost of doing so would now far exceed the original £19m price tag.

Due to the condition of the site it has been estimated that to stick to the plans as first proposed would cost £29m.

However, it could be demolished and replaced within the original budget, which is what is now being suggested.

If demolition is approved it is hoped the mountain bike centre could be completed by 2027.