'Fantastic opportunity' as Jedburgh distilleries approved

Councillors were told the distilleries could create up to 70 jobs

Plans for two whisky distilleries in the Borders have been approved as a "fantastic opportunity" by councillors.

It is the second time Scottish Borders Council has agreed the proposals at the former Jedforest Hotel near Jedburgh after a previous permission expired.

The local authority heard that the £40m complex could create up to 70 full-time jobs in the area.

The planning committee unanimously agreed to give fresh approval to the scheme.

The work will be carried out in two phases with a smaller distillery to be constructed first, followed by a large-scale one.

'Rural diversification'

Councillors were told the plans were a repeat of an application they had previously approved but that permission had lapsed.

"I think it is a fantastic opportunity to see this visitor attraction coming to the Borders," said Jim Fullarton, who represents East Berwickshire.

His view was echoed by a number of others on the planning committee.

"I think it is great that we can have rural diversification of this type," said Mid Berwickshire's Donald Moffat.

"This will be a destination that people will want to come to and want to visit."