Sir Walter Scott's home plans get government approval

The £10m plans hope to turn Abbotsford House in the Borders into a major tourist attraction

Plans for a new visitor centre at Sir Walter Scott's former home in the Borders have been approved by the Scottish government.

The Abbotsford Trust had already got council approval but ministers had the final say on the £10m programme.

It will include a modern visitor centre as well as a new car park and tourist accommodation.

Lawyers have also given consent for Abbotsford's historic collections of books and papers to be displayed.

Borders MP Michael Moore has welcomed the move and said he was "so proud" to have such a national treasure in his constituency.